BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has assured that if the party comes to power, it will clamp down on corruption at any cost. He said, “We have briefly outlined our plans. If you stand with us, we will be able to fulfill them.”
He made the pledges while addressing an election rally at Chattogram’s Polo Ground.
Tarique said, “With the support of the people, we will strictly enforce law and order. But unless corruption is controlled, no plan can succeed. At any cost, a BNP government will choke off corruption. This is our commitment.”
Referring to the regime of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, he said, “When Khaleda Zia was entrusted with responsibility through your votes, she reined in corruption. The identity of a criminal is not defined by party affiliation. A criminal is simply a criminal.”
He urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no one can deprive citizens of their voting rights on 12 February. If BNP forms the government, Chattogram will be developed as the country’s commercial capital.
Urging an end to the politics of blame, the BNP chief said, “The people of Bangladesh want change and political rights. If politics remains stuck in criticism, the country’s people will see no development.”
He also promised that the party will establish 1,00,000 health service centres and undertake canal excavation projects.
The BNP chief addressed the rally as part of his party’s election campaign across the country.
He arrived at the election rally venue at Chattogram’s Polo Ground. He joined the programme in a red-and-green bus, where jubilant party leaders and activists welcomed him with flowers.
Thousands of people have already poured into the Polo Ground to attend Tarique Rahman’s rally on Sunday. Even before the programme began, party leaders and activists had gathered at the venue. Some came in groups, while others had stayed there since the night before.
This marks his first visit to Chattogram since taking charge of the BNP. Leaders and activists, energised by his arrival, have made extensive preparations, with tight security in place at the rally venue.
He landed in the port city on a flight at 7:15pm on Saturday. He is visiting the district after more than two decades. Senior BNP leaders and city leaders welcomed him at the airport.
Thousands of supporters join Ctg rally
Party activists attending the rally said they had waited many years to see Tarique Rahman in person. One supporter told reporters, “Today that wait ends.”
Leaders said Tarique’s visit has inspired activists and strengthen the election campaign.
Alongside seeking votes for the BNP’s “sheaf of paddy” symbol, he also presented his plans for the city’s development.
Meanwhile, strict security measures have been taken across the city ahead of the rally. Around 2,000 police personnel have been deployed. The stage and surrounding areas have been divided into three security zones—Red, Yellow, and Green.
The stage has been declared a Red Zone, accessible only to BNP central leaders, standing committee members, and parliamentary candidates from Chattogram’s 23 constituencies. The front section of the stage has been designated as the Yellow Zone, with separate blocks for journalists and women. The entire field has been marked as the Green Zone.
After his Chattogram visit, Tarique is scheduled to address five more rallies in Feni, Cumilla, and Narayanganj on his way back to Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman last visited Chattogram in 2005, when he campaigned in the city corporation election and spoke at a public meeting at Laldighi Maidan.
