Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized that a nation cannot progress if it excludes women, stating that half of Bangladesh's population is female and must be empowered for the country to advance.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony on the second day of the BNP's 7-day programme titled 'Plan for Nation Building' at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall. He highlighted that women are often referred to as mothers or sisters, and excluding them from the development process would hinder national progress. Rahman stressed the importance of empowering women and helping them become self-reliant.
Discussing the 'Family Card,' a significant election pledge of the BNP, he explained that this initiative aims to empower women economically. Research indicates that financial support to mothers is primarily invested in family health, children's education, and small income-generating activities. The BNP plans to introduce the Family Card to 50 lakh families initially, aiming to foster financial self-reliance.
Rahman criticized the governance system of the past 16 years, outlining a comprehensive roadmap for rebuilding the country under BNP leadership. He noted that sectors such as agriculture, health, education, law and order, the judiciary, and administration have deteriorated, having been exploited for political gain.
Highlighting the BNP's past contributions, he recalled the canal digging project initiated by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, which led to an agricultural revolution. He pledged to resume this project to enhance flood control, groundwater recharge, and environmental improvement.
Rahman announced the 'Krishak Card' to support the agricultural sector, offering benefits and training to marginal, small, and medium farmers to strengthen their economic position. He also presented plans for educational reform, proposing a 'One Teacher-One Tablet' programme for primary education to instill reading habits, morality, and patriotism in children.
Emphasizing job creation, Rahman stated that the BNP's goal extends beyond garment and factory jobs, aiming to employ millions in sports, IT, content creation, language training, and technical skill development. He mentioned plans to introduce international platforms like PayPal to boost content creators' earnings.
Rahman also advocated for enhancing productivity across professions through skill development, reaffirming support for democracy and the need for accountable governance to address people's problems. He urged Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) members to actively deliver the BNP's nation-building message, emphasizing the importance of the Family Card, Krishak Card, and educational and health reforms.
He called on the public to support the 'Dhaner Shis' (Shelf of Paddy) symbol in elections, asserting that only through this vote can the BNP's plans for nation-building be realized. The event was presided over by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, with participation from various city units of Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD).