BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on party leaders and activists to take to the field collectively to face the forthcoming election’s “vote battle”.
Addressing party members, he said that to turn their plans for building the country into reality, they need public support, and to bring public support behind the party, dedicated effort and initiative from them are essential.
Speaking virtually at the closing session of the fifth day of BNP’s “Plan to Build the Country” workshop, he told colleagues that they must study and fully understand the party’s programmes if they expect to explain them to voters.
“If you don’t read our plans and don’t know them, how will you explain what you want to do and what your party wants to do? Others — I won’t mention names — but you know very well that in your constituencies and upazilas, they are always spreading different kinds of lies to mislead people,” he said.
Tarique said BNP does not need to respond with falsehoods. “You don’t need that. You already have many correct, truthful and realistic issues on your side to counter those,” he said, adding that the party’s presence on the ground with its agenda in favour of the Sheaf of Paddy would prevent opponents from confusing voters.
He called on BNP leaders and workers to take the party’s national plans to the public, insisting that the proposals can only be implemented if they secure people’s support in the upcoming election. He said the party has, for the first time, explained in detail how its promises could be carried out within the country’s existing administrative and economic framework.
Tarique reminded party leaders that he had warned over a year ago that the election would not be as easy as many believed. “At that time, many people laughed it off and did not take my words seriously. But today you can understand exactly what I meant. The warning I gave is slowly being proven true,” he said.
“If we still do not become serious, the very existence and sovereignty of this country will be at risk,” he warned.
He said the restoration of democracy through the next election is the only way to safeguard the country. “It is you — every single member of BNP, who can strengthen that foundation. If you go to the field, if you go door to door and reach the people, then we can protect this country.”
Tarique said he chose not to dwell on the physical condition of his mother, Khaleda Zia, or his own pain, saying the focus must remain on the people. “We are in politics for the country and its people. If we keep talking only about our own suffering, then where will the people go? They will come to you. That is why we must rise to a position where we truly represent the people.”
He urged BNP members to build themselves in a way that earns people’s trust. “From my 30 years of political experience, I can say that if we take these eight issues discussed at the workshop to the field and later implement them with public support, people from every class and profession will benefit.”
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir inaugurated the day’s session at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium, with Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presiding.
Leaders and activists from across the country attended the workshop to receive training on eight thematic issues to help them explain the party’s plans, election manifesto and commitments to voters ahead of the polls.
