Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today emphasized that the party will not emulate the governance style of the fugitive Awami League autocrat if it wins the upcoming Jatiya Sangsad polls and forms the government.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman delivered these remarks during the final event of the BNP’s 7-day programme titled ‘Plan for Nation Building’ held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall. Rahman stressed the party’s commitment to changing the governance system for the welfare of the country and underlined a 31-point proposal aimed at reforming the nation.
The Acting Chairman highlighted that the 31-point demand, which was proposed two and a half years ago, focuses on elevating the living standards of the populace. This proposal includes aspects such as women’s development, fair compensation for farmers, educational improvements for students, youth employment, and respect for religious figures.
Rahman mentioned the party’s ‘Family Card’ and ‘Farmer Card’ initiatives, noting their popularity but emphasizing the necessity of implementation. He underscored the need for a free and fair election to support these plans.
Addressing the issue of youth employment, Rahman advocated for language training and technical education to improve young people’s skills. He pointed out that skilled manpower exports could significantly boost income and respect, referencing examples from Japan, Europe, and the Middle East.
Rahman also raised concerns about environmental issues, particularly river pollution and groundwater depletion, caused by industrial waste. He called for river and canal restoration and effective water management, inspired by the initiatives of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
In the health sector, Rahman criticized the mere announcement of hospital constructions and proposed leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for more efficient healthcare delivery. He also suggested recruiting 100,000 health workers to provide primary healthcare to every household.
The role of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in advancing women’s education and empowerment was highlighted, with Rahman stating that the BNP aims to create economically self-reliant mothers through educational foundations and the ‘Family Card’ initiative.
Furthermore, Rahman emphasized developing the youth through various avenues beyond academics, such as sports, arts, and culture, to prevent drug use and depression.
He addressed recent violent incidents and political conspiracies, urging unity and discipline to move forward. Rahman expressed confidence in BNP’s ability to rescue the country from crises, citing past successes.
The event was presided over by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and inaugurated by BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. The event was moderated by BNP joint secretary general Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel, with several senior BNP leaders, including the Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, also speaking.