BNP ready to deliver change

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman yesterday said his party has always stood by the people and, if voted to power, is ready to deliver the change they want.

Addressing a rally in the capital’s Bhashantek area, part of Dhaka-17 from where he is contesting, Tarique said that after the disruptive rule of the previous regime, people now want good governance, which the BNP has delivered in the past.

“Every time the people of this country have elected the paddy sheaf symbol, there has been development and positive changes,” Tarique told the rally at the BRB ground, his first campaign event in the capital.

On Thursday, the BNP chief kicked off his party’s election campaign with a rally in Sylhet and later joined rallies in Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj on his way to Dhaka.

For his constituency, Tarique pledged skills training for youths to prepare them for work abroad, family cards for women, and the promotion of sports as a profession.

Tarique also promised rehabilitation for slum dwellers. “Bhashantek residents have said that housing is their main problem. We will solve it,” he said, urging people to vote for BNP in the upcoming election.

The BNP leader said addressing people’s security, jobs, education, and healthcare -- and solving these problems step by step -- requires a democratic government.

“We have seen what happened over the last 15/16 years. On August 5, 2024, a change took place in the country. I believe people across the country want change and they want positive change,” he said.

“Only a government elected by the people can solve their problems,” Tarique added, emphasising that the BNP stands ready to meet the people’s aspirations.

‘COUNTRY MUST BE REBUILT’

Tarique said corruption and the destruction of institutions during the past regime have severely hindered the country’s progress.

“We have to rebuild it. To do that, democracy must be established. And why must it be established? Because only by democratically electing your representatives can you take your local problems to them,” he said.

He added, “In the elections held over the past 15 years, could you reach the so-called MPs? Could you take your area’s problems to them? You could not. That is why, if we want to solve local problems and develop the country, we must elect representatives democratically, not only in the national parliamentary election, but also at the municipal, upazila, and union parishad levels.”

The BNP leader said accountability is essential and that elected representatives must understand what the people want. 

“Just as I came to you today and listened to your problems, I expect future representatives at every level to meet the people directly, identify their problems, and take initiatives to solve them,” he said.

‘HOUSING OUR MAIN PROBLEM’

During the event, Tarique invited several residents, including students, marginal workers, onto the stage to outline the main problems facing Bhashantek.

Van driver Md Juwel, who has lived in the area for 50 years, said, “We live in slums. Our main problem is housing. We need more support as we are poor. Our roads are also in very bad condition.”

Shanta, a homemaker, said there were no proper employment opportunities for women in the area. Lili Akter, a resident of the nearby slum, demanded rehabilitation for slum dwellers, while university student Hena Akter called for the area to be developed in an orderly and well-planned manner.

Tarique assured them of addressing the issues.

During the programme, Tarique invited a woman from the audience onto the stage after she wanted to meet him. Once on stage, she, visibly emotional, apologised, saying she had once stolen guavas from trees at Tarique’s house.

In response, Tarique said a guava tree would be planted at her home.

The woman also alleged that during the Awami League’s tenure, a local party leader forcibly occupied her family’s land and harassed her relatives. She urged Tarique to look into the matter.

Tarique’s wife Zubaida Rahman and other BNP leaders were present at the programme.