Dhaka, Feb. 1 -- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on citizens across the country to vote for his party's electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, on 12 February, saying it would be a decisive response to autocracy.

"If people stamp the sheaf of paddy on the ballot, it will send a clear message to those who have stripped you of your rights," he told a large election rally in Sirajganj.

Tarique said the people of Bangladesh have been protesting for the past 16-17 years against injustice and the suppression of their rights under an autocratic regime.

"If you want those rights restored, you must raise your voice on 12 February," he said.

Explaining BNP's political outlook, the party chief said BNP believes in peaceful coexisten...