BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman outlined plans to introduce a monorail system, excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals nationwide, and bring international digital payment platforms such as PayPal to the country if his party comes to power through the next parliamentary elections.
He made the remarks while addressing a prayer gathering and exchange-of-views meeting organised by the Banani Society at the Chairmanbari field in Banani, Dhaka, seeking eternal peace for former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, was present at the event.
Addressing transportation challenges in the capital, Tarique Rahman said that alongside ongoing metro rail expansion, a monorail system would be introduced and integrated with the metro network, including routes connecting areas such as Mohammadpur and Banani. He stressed that long-term planning is essential to ease Dhaka’s worsening traffic congestion.
On water management, he said a BNP-led government would undertake a large-scale canal excavation program covering 20,000 kilometers across the country to address waterlogging and drainage problems. He noted that the closure and encroachment of canals in Dhaka and other regions have intensified flooding and urban water stagnation.
Regarding the digital economy, Tarique said initiatives would be taken to bring platforms like PayPal to Bangladesh and to activate IT parks across the country. He added that these IT parks would offer free Wi-Fi and shared working spaces to support young entrepreneurs and freelancers.
Tarique also outlined broader policy priorities under his “I Have a Plan” initiative, which he said includes measures to tackle environmental degradation, reform the education system, address youth unemployment, and improve healthcare services.
Referring to environmental concerns, he said the BNP plans to plant 250 million trees within five years if elected, supported by expanded public and private nurseries and expert-led research to identify region-appropriate species.
He further announced plans to promote sports as a professional career through the education system, make student participation in sports and cultural activities mandatory, and introduce a third language at the secondary level alongside Bangla and English.
On healthcare, he highlighted the absence of a central ambulance system in Dhaka and deficiencies in medical waste management, warning that these gaps pose serious public health risks. He said the capital generates around 7,000 tons of waste daily, adding that plans are in place to convert waste into energy and expand recycling.
Concluding his address, Tarique Rahman said effective implementation of the proposed plans could bring visible improvements across multiple sectors.
He also claimed that no other political party has yet presented detailed, data-backed plans on water management, environment, healthcare, education, and youth employment.
KH/MHK