Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized the party's commitment to transforming lives and ensuring that every girl can live with dignity. He highlighted the BNP government's tradition of life-changing policies and reiterated the party's pledge to continue these efforts if given the opportunity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman shared his thoughts in a message on the occasion of International Day of the Girl Child. He expressed that empowering girls is not just a policy issue but a personal commitment, drawing from his experience as a father. Tarique outlined his vision for Bangladesh as a nation where every girl enjoys equal freedom, opportunities, and security.
He praised the contributions of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in advancing the status of women and children. Tarique highlighted President Ziaur Rahman's role in fostering the ready-made garment industry, which opened avenues for female employment and independence. He also noted the establishment of the 'Ministry of Women and Children Affairs' under Ziaur Rahman's leadership, aimed at uplifting women's and girls' living standards.
Under Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, girls' education was prioritized, with free education up to the higher secondary level and initiatives like 'Food for Education' and 'Cash for Education' enabling millions of girls to continue schooling. These efforts fostered a strong community of women and created an empowered generation.
Tarique Rahman credited Khaleda Zia's 'Female Secondary School Assistance Project' for achieving gender parity in secondary education and reducing child marriage rates. This project gained global recognition and was adopted by other developing countries as a model for girls' education and empowerment.
He affirmed that the BNP's future policies will uphold these commitments, detailing six steps to support girls and women: introducing a 'Family Card' for female household heads, providing SME loans and business training for female entrepreneurs, enhancing educational opportunities, increasing women's participation in policymaking, protecting girls' dignity and freedom, and focusing on family and social welfare.
These initiatives, Tarique noted, demonstrate the potential achievements of good governance that respects and invests in the future of every girl child.