BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has laid out an expansive vision for what he called a “transformed Bangladesh”, outlining a reform agenda that spans welfare delivery, education, agriculture, urban planning, transport and migration policy.
Speaking at a meet-and-greet programme with young content creators who secured awards in the national reel-making competition “Bangladesh in My Thoughts (Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh)” at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan, Tarique presented his ideas as part of a broader effort to redefine governance beyond traditional political pledges ahead of the 13th parliamentary elections.
A single system for state support
At the core of his proposals is the introduction of a Family Card system, designed to bring all government welfare schemes and development benefits under one unified structure.
Rahman said current social safety programmes suffer from fragmentation and poor coordination, limiting their effectiveness. A single card, he argued, would streamline services, reduce duplication and ensure fair access to state benefits for families.
“This fragmentation weakens delivery. Integration is essential for real impact,” he said, positioning the Family Card as a foundational reform tool rather than a standalone welfare scheme.
Cost of living, production and market control
Addressing rising living costs, Tarique linked inflation not only to global pressures but also to domestic structural weaknesses.
He said production growth must keep pace with population growth, while unethical profiteering by intermediaries must be curbed through stricter regulation and oversight.
Weak transport and communication infrastructure, he added, directly contributes to high commodity prices by disrupting supply chains. Incentives for farmers, improved logistics, and stronger market regulation were presented as key tools to stabilise both supply and prices.
“Whatever plan we make, we must ensure security for everyone and prevent corruption,” Tarique said, stressing governance reform as the backbone of economic stability.
Education beyond buildings
On education, Tarique rejected infrastructure-only approaches, arguing that social decay and incidents of mob justice cannot be solved by buildings alone.
He emphasised the need for qualified teachers, value-based education, and character formation from early childhood. His vision of education reform included:
• Making education enjoyable and accessible
• Integrating sports, arts and culture into the core curriculum
• Requiring students to participate in sports alongside academic subjects
• Promoting holistic development rather than exam-centric learning
He also linked excessive internet dependence among young people to gaps in social engagement, proposing coordinated reforms involving multiple ministries to rebuild community-based learning environments.
Reimagining Dhaka’s future
Tarique directly addressed Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion, identifying over-centralisation of jobs and services as the root cause.
His proposed solution: the development of satellite towns outside the capital, equipped with modern healthcare, education and employment opportunities, to decentralise economic activity and reduce pressure on Dhaka.
On transport infrastructure, he described the existing metro rail system as costly and space-intensive, suggesting monorail systems with smaller carriages as a potential alternative or complementary solution to improve connectivity across the city.
Migration, skills and remittances
Turning to overseas employment, Tarique said thousands of young Bangladeshis migrate without adequate skills, leaving them vulnerable and underpaid.
He outlined plans for vocational training programmes to create a skilled migrant workforce, alongside incentives for expatriates who send remittances through official banking channels.
This, he said, would strengthen both worker protection and the national economy.
A personal moment
During a brief question-and-answer session, Tarique spoke emotionally about missing his mother, adding that his exhaustion fades when he sees people continuing to support his cause late into the night.
Youth engagement and symbolism
The event itself reflected BNP’s effort to engage younger generations through creative platforms. Tarique met and exchanged greetings with 10 winners of the party-organised national reel-making competition.
The programme, titled “Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman”, was held at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park, with around 250–300 guests in attendance. BNP Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibli, and Tarique Rahman’s daughter Zaima Rahman were also present.
Political significance
Analysts see Tarique’s speech as more than a policy outline. It reflects BNP’s attempt to reposition itself as a reform-oriented political force, focusing on governance systems, institutional restructuring and long-term planning rather than short-term populist promises.
By framing his agenda around integration, decentralisation and human development, Rahman is seeking to project a future-facing political identity ahead of national elections, signalling that BNP’s political narrative will be built not just on opposition politics, but on an alternative governance model for the state.