BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s speech at the election rally in Chattogram stood out clearly from conventional political rhetoric, often marked by severe criticism of opponents.
Rather than attacking or blaming rivals, he focused on nation-building, development and future planning—a shift in tone that drew a positive response from the public.
At election rallies in a few other districts earlier, Tarique had criticised the 10-party alliance, particularly alluding to Jamaat-e-Islami over its role during the Liberation War.
In Chattogram’s Polo Ground rally on Sunday, however, he questioned the effectiveness of blame-driven politics and said pointing out the faults of political opponents brings no real benefit to the everyday lives of ordinary people.
Criticism for the sake of criticism, he said, does not put food on people’s tables or solve problems. Through these remarks, he signalled a move away from personality-driven attacks towards policy-based political debate.
Explaining BNP’s political position, he claimed that whenever the party had been in power, it had worked for the people. As part of that continuity, and after returning to the country after 17 years, he presented the slogan “We have a plan”. In his words, the BNP’s plans place ordinary people and the long-term interests of the state at the centre.
Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman spoke with young people about plans for nation-building at a programme titled The Plan – Youth Policy Talk at a hotel in Chattogram.
He said that if the BNP came to power, social ills such as extortion would be eliminated through political and administrative decisions, alongside a firm stance against other crimes.
He also outlined specific plans on environmental and climate issues, saying that 50 million trees would be planted nationwide over five years and initiatives would be taken to excavate canals to address waterlogging.
Tarique also spoke of his emotional connection with Chattogram, recalling that it was from the port city that late president Ziaur Rahman declared independence.
He said the city had bestowed the title of “Deshnetri” on Khaleda Zia, and referred to her history of electoral victories from two Chattogram constituencies, highlighting the longstanding bond between the party and the city.
The rally drew a large and enthusiastic turnout. Leaders, activists and supporters of BNP from various upazilas of the district gathered in large numbers to catch a glimpse of Tarique Rahman.
The presence of people from various age groups turned the event into a gathering spanning generations. A municipal BNP leader from Sandwip spoke of the emotion of seeing the party chief after a long time and expressed hope for victory in the upcoming election.
There were also symbolic moments at the rally. A Class Six student named Hiramani from a ward of Chattogram Port attended the gathering dressed as Khaleda Zia, drawing widespread attention.
Overall, Tarique Rahman’s remarks in Chattogram sent a clear signal about BNP’s political strategy. Moving away from politics of blame, the party is seeking to foreground development, planning and nation-building.
Public response suggests that this different narrative has opened up fresh discussion in the political arena.
