No alternative to victory of the sheaf of paddy: Tarique
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has declared there is “no alternative” to securing victory – represented by the party’s iconic sheaf-of-paddy election symbol – and urged supporters to prepare for a decisive political battle to save Bangladesh.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing Juba Dal leaders virtually from London on Wednesday evening, December 10, at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka, as part of the party’s ongoing “Plan for Building the Country” programme.
Reflecting on the human rights abuses under the previous Awami League government, he said: “None of us want fascism. No one should ever again suffer the violation of human rights that occurred during the Awami League era. Human rights are innate; every citizen must be allowed to live with dignity.”
Women’s empowerment, agriculture and education
Outlining BNP’s vision, Tarique highlighted the proposed “Family Card” scheme aimed at economically empowering women across the country in phases, saying it would create “a strong economic foundation”.
He pledged to boost agricultural exports and overhaul the education system so that students become proficient in a third language beyond Bangla and English. “We will not pursue mega-projects that breed corruption,” he stressed. “Instead, every taka will be spent on education, health and human resource development.”
Health and population
If BNP returns to power, the party will recruit one million health workers – 80 to 85 per cent of whom will be women – and launch immediate population-control measures, with benefits expected within a decade, he said.
Sports and urban liveability
Tarique announced that the ministries of Education, Health and Sports will work together year-round. “Our cities are suffocating – there are no playgrounds,” he noted, promising that BNP would purchase land in every ward at market rates to build sports facilities.
“We must go to war for the people”
In a rousing political call, the BNP leader declared: “We have to go to war to save the country. We must leave our homes and reach the people. If we fail to wage this war, the country will be destroyed. This is a war for the people.”
He claimed no other political party has presented a comprehensive roadmap for Bangladesh’s future, asserting: “Only BNP has given the nation a detailed plan.”
The meeting was chaired by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Among those present were Joint Secretary General Habib-un Nabi Khan Sohel, advisers to the chairperson Dr Ziauddin Haider and Dr Mahdi Amin, Dhaka North convener Aminul Haque, Krishak Dal president Hasan Jafir Tuhin, Jubo Dal president Abdul Monayem Munna, and Swechchhasebak Dal president SM Zilani.