Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasized that without the establishment of democracy in national politics, accountability in state institutions will remain absent. He made these remarks during an exchange-of-views meeting with retired military personnel at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Tuesday evening.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Rahman highlighted that over the past 15-16 years, state institutions have been systematically weakened due to the lack of accountability. He stressed that democracy must be established at any cost to ensure the return of accountability. He further noted that no institution can function properly without accountability, nor can the hopes and aspirations of the people be fulfilled.
Rahman outlined the BNP’s key priorities for the future, which include rebuilding state institutions, establishing accountable democracy, and ensuring economic and social development centered on family welfare. He began his speech by recalling a personal moment related to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s illness, noting her strong mental fortitude and affection for the defense community despite her poor health.
He addressed past attempts by authoritarian governments to create misunderstandings between the Zia family and members of the armed forces, stating that such divisions no longer exist under BNP leadership. Rahman informed the audience that several core issues from the BNP’s previously announced 31-point framework had been selected for practical implementation, with student organizations and associate bodies currently being trained on these points.
Rahman announced that if the BNP returns to power, it will introduce a national social benefit known as the “Family Card,” which will provide direct support to women in five million families. The benefit will include monthly cash support of Tk 2,000-2,500 or essential food items, aimed at helping rural women manage their households and contribute to children’s education, family health, and long-term investments.
On the topic of corruption, Rahman stated that while it may not be possible to eliminate it entirely, it can be reduced to a level that allows the country to be seen as relatively corruption-free. He emphasized the need for moral education starting at the primary level and said incentives would be introduced to encourage meritorious students to join the teaching profession.
He outlined plans to train 300,000-350,000 teachers under a “One Teacher, One Tab” policy and make sports, culture, and a second or third language compulsory from the primary level. Additionally, international cooperation is being sought to train instructors in additional foreign languages, including French, Mandarin, Arabic, and Italian.
Recalling the education initiatives taken during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, Rahman stated that “an educated nation can only be built if there are educated mothers” and added that the BNP now aims to economically empower these mothers. He also announced the introduction of a “Krishak Card” for marginal, small, and medium farmers to ensure timely access to government assistance, facilitated by a technology-driven app.
Rahman called for unity among capable citizens to rebuild the country in the spirit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and urged retired defense personnel to support the nationalist forces if they believed in the BNP’s outlined plans. The meeting was presided over by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and moderated by Major General (Retd.) Fazle Elahi Akbar.