Dhaka: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today asserted that among the political parties contesting the 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, only the BNP possesses the requisite experience and capacity to govern the country effectively. “Currently, among the country’s political parties, only the BNP has experience in governing the state and concrete programmes to change the fate of the people,” he stated. “The BNP has clear plans and initiatives for nation-building.”
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tarique Rahman made these remarks while addressing an election rally at Dhupkhola Field in the capital as the chief guest. The rally was organized to support BNP-nominated candidate Ishraq Hossain for the Dhaka-6 constituency. He highlighted the achievements of past BNP governments, noting that BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had rescued the country from famine and boosted food production, while former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership in industrialization created employment and earned Bangladesh international recognition as an “Emerging Tiger.”
Critiquing recent governance, Tarique Rahman pointed out that “mega corruption” had occurred under the guise of mega projects, with vast sums of money being laundered abroad annually. He promised that a BNP-led government would combat corruption vigorously and restore law and order.
He outlined the current challenges facing the nation, including critical conditions in the economy, healthcare, and education sectors, along with high unemployment rates among young people. He proposed that a BNP government would implement measures to attract both domestic and foreign investment to mitigate unemployment.
During the rally, Tarique Rahman formally presented the BNP’s election symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, to Ishraq Hossain, lauding him as “a son of this area.” He reminisced about the contributions of Ishraq’s late father, former Dhaka mayor Sadeq Hossain Khoka, who had been dedicated to the local community.
On constituency-specific issues, Tarique Rahman identified healthcare as a primary concern in Dhaka-6, citing the inadequacy of current hospital facilities and the necessity for expansion. He pledged that a BNP government would increase the number of hospital beds to improve access to medical services.
He also addressed the pollution of the Buriganga River, which he described as a significant problem for Dhaka-6 and the entire capital. He asserted that a BNP government would initiate efforts to clean the river and restore its former vitality.
Employment was another pressing concern highlighted by Tarique Rahman. He stated that if the BNP forms the government, they would establish region-based industries to create job opportunities for local youth and women. He also announced plans to set up technical and vocational training institutes to cultivate a skilled workforce, emphasizing that such institutions would be established nationwide, not just in Dhaka.