BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday urged voters to give his party an opportunity to lead Bangladesh forward, citing its proven experience in governing the country and its comprehensive plans for development, employment, social welfare, and national reconstruction.
Addressing a large election rally at Kalabagan ground in the capital, Tarique said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is the only political force capable of running the state effectively, based on its past achievements and future-oriented policies.
“BNP has the experience to govern this country. On February 12, choose a party and candidates who know how to run a nation, who have clear plans and the capability to implement them. At this moment, no other party has the experience and preparedness that BNP has,” he said.
Highlighting BNP’s legacy, Tarique recalled the leadership of late president Ziaur Rahman, who, he said, doubled food production in a famine-stricken country and even enabled Bangladesh to export food. He also praised former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying her government transformed Bangladesh into an emerging industrial economy and expanded employment opportunities.
“Under Khaleda Zia’s leadership, Bangladesh was internationally recognised as an ‘emerging tiger.’ She made education free for girls up to Class 12, empowering millions of women and strengthening the foundation of the nation,” Tarique said.
He described the upcoming February 12 election as a historic opportunity, saying it marks the return of voting rights that had been denied to the people for the past 16 years.
“This is the election the people of Bangladesh have been waiting for. Their voting rights were taken away. Many sacrificed their lives in the struggle to restore democracy. Now, we must rebuild the country,” he said.
Tarique outlined BNP’s key election pledges, including the introduction of family cards to support women, farmer cards to strengthen agricultural livelihoods, and expatriate cards to assist overseas workers. He also pledged extensive vocational training programs to turn young people into skilled manpower and reduce unemployment.
To address the financial hardships faced by migrant workers, Tarique said BNP would introduce fast-track bank loans at affordable rates so that people would not need to sell their land or homes to finance overseas employment.
“No family should have to sell its only asset to send a loved one abroad. The state will ensure easy access to bank loans so migrants can travel safely and repay gradually from their earnings,” he said.
On healthcare, Tarique promised the recruitment of 100,000 community health workers to deliver primary medical services to remote and underserved areas. He also pledged to introduce respectable allowances for mosque imams and muezzins, and to strengthen grassroots healthcare infrastructure nationwide.
Speaking about youth empowerment, Tarique said modern training centres would be established across the country to provide technical and vocational education, enabling young people to find dignified jobs both at home and abroad.
“We want our youth to become skilled, confident, and self-reliant. Through training and employment, they will become the backbone of national progress,” he added.
Addressing governance and corruption, Tarique criticised past mega projects that he said were marred by massive corruption, stressing that BNP’s priority would be rebuilding state institutions and ensuring accountability.
“Our goal is not just development, but rebuilding the state. Mega projects turned into mega corruption. We must reform governance, ensure transparency, and restore public trust,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Tarique also addressed a separate rally at Kamal Ataturk ground in Banani, part of his constituency Dhaka-17, where he sought public support for the BNP candidate. Reflecting on his deep personal ties to the area, he said he had grown up there since 1972 and shared a lifelong bond with its residents.
“This country belongs to us. No one from outside will build it for us. We must build it ourselves. Together, we can reconstruct Bangladesh and change the fate of our people,” he said.
Introducing BNP candidate Rabiul Islam Rabi for Dhaka-10, Tarique urged voters to support the party’s nominees and help BNP form the next government.
“Our only objective is to rebuild the nation and create a safe, prosperous, and just Bangladesh for future generations. Give BNP the chance to serve, and we will deliver,” he said.
