BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday, February 9, said some political parties make ‘big speeches’ but have no clear plan for the development of the country and its people, stating that running a country requires concrete programmes, experience and accountability.
“Many people can stand on the stage and make big speeches. Many speak beautifully just to receive applause. But running a country is not such an easy task,” he said while speaking at an election rally at Pir Jangi Mazar Road in the Dhaka-8 seat.
To run the country effectively, Tarique said there must be clear plans and programmes for the people. “Where are their plans? They only have big words. Governing needs programmes—where are their programmes? It also requires experience. We have seen that their own friends were part of the government over the last one and a half years. But why is the country in such a difficult situation now?”
He said it is now proven that if anyone can change the fate of the people of Bangladesh and rein in corruption in the country, it is the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’.
The BNP chief also highlighted his party’s various plans for addressing the country’s different problems and ensuring the welfare of people, including youth and women.
Tarique pledged that his party, if elected to power, will create employment opportunities for 10 million people within five years. Unemployment among youths is a nationwide problem and the party has already taken plans and programmes to address it, he said.
The BNP chairman said his party will encourage local and foreign investment, set up mills and factories, and expand vocational, technological and IT training institutes across the country to develop a skilled workforce.
Tarique also promised support for overseas job seekers through government-backed small loans, so that migrant workers would not need to sell ancestral land to finance migration. Some 100,000 health workers would be recruited to expand employment and healthcare services, he added.
The BNP leader outlined additional plans, including family cards, agriculture cards, improved healthcare, honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders, better law and order, public safety and anti-corruption measures.
He also pledged local development in Dhaka-8, including playgrounds, expanded graveyard space and steps to reduce waterlogging.
Later, Tarique handed the party symbol to BNP candidate Mirza Abbas and urged voters to elect him.
Vote Engineering To Be Resisted
Addressing the rally, BNP Standing Committee member and Dhaka-8 candidate Mirza Abbas alleged that certain quarters are trying to manipulate the election to ensure victory for selected candidates.
He called on party leaders and activists to guard polling stations and prevent any disorder, warning that conspiracies from home and abroad will not be allowed to create unrest.
Abbas expressed hope that Tarique Rahman will become prime minister and address local problems such as gas, water, waterlogging, youth unemployment, playgrounds and graveyard expansion.
BNP Women’s Wing President and Abbas’s wife Afroza Abbas was also present at the rally.
Call for Vigilance
At another rally in Dhaka-10 constituency, Tarique alleged that activists of a particular group were caught making fake ballot seals and urged pro-democracy voters to remain alert against such activities.
“The country can be served not by criticising political opponents, but by presenting clear and practical plans to change people’s lives,” Tarique told the rally at the Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground in the capital for the Dhaka-10 constituency, where BNP candidate Rabiul Alam Rabi presided over the programme.
Calling 12 February a long-awaited day for the nation, he said the upcoming election is not just another polling day but the vote for which the people of Bangladesh have waited for the past 16 years.
“If anyone asks for your bKash number, NID number or any other personal information, you must understand that there is a conspiracy behind it,” he said, warning that failure to resist such attempts could again put the hard-earned voting rights of the people—secured through the sacrifice of martyrs—at risk.
Earlier, speaking at another rally near Banani Bazar in his own seat Dhaka-17, Tarique pledged to build a safe Bangladesh.
He said BNP aims to establish a state where all citizens can move freely at any time of day or night and live peacefully with their families without fear.
The rallies were arranged as part of BNP’s final-stage campaigning ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election.
Tarique began his campaign at Kamal Ataturk Avenue Field in Banani, later addressed a rally at Kalabagan Krira Chakra ground in Dhaka-10, and then joined the Dhaka-8 rally.
He is also scheduled to address five more rallies in Dhaka-9 (Basabo Tarun Sangha ground), Dhaka-5 (Jatrabari Shaheed Faruk Road), Dhaka-4 (Jurain Dayaganj Road), Dhaka-6 (Dhopkhola field) and Dhaka-7 (Lalbagh Balur Math).
Source: UNB