BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated that the people have trust and confidence in them, and it is the responsibility of the workers and leaders of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia to uphold this trust. He said, “The people believe in us. We must maintain this trust. Therefore, the people’s foremost demand will be realised through the upcoming elections. In the next election, BNP will secure the majority of votes. After that, we will face many challenges, and conspiracies may emerge. To counter these, all levels of BNP leaders and workers must remain united.”
Tarique Rahman made these remarks as the chief guest, joining virtually from London, at the biennial conference of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP on Sunday afternoon. Speaking on state reforms, he said, “Long ago, we presented a 31-point plan for the welfare of the people and the restoration of the state. We also proposed various reform programmes. The interim government has formed a reform committee after discussions with different parties. Most of the reforms they are proposing now were suggested by BNP two and a half years ago.”
He added, “Now, our main challenge is to implement these 31-point reforms with public trust. Otherwise, the country will regress, and the people will suffer more.”
After nearly 18 years, the biennial conference was inaugurated on Sunday noon at the central Eidgah grounds in the city, with balloons and doves released by BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Abdus Salam. Advocate Ershad Ali Issa, the convenor of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, presided over the first session, while Member Secretary Mamunur Rashid moderated.
Among others, speeches were given by BNP Chairperson’s Advisor Mizanur Rahman Minu, Rajshahi Divisional Organizing Secretary Advocate Syed Shahin Shawkat Khaleq, Co-Organizing Secretary Alimuzzaman Alim, BNP Central Committee Relief and Rehabilitation Secretary Advocate Shafiqul Islam Milon, Forest and Environment Secretary Mohammad Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul, Senior Joint Convenor Nazrul Huda, Joint Convenors Waliul Haque Rana, Motiur Rahman Montu, Aslam Sarkar, former Metropolitan Jubo Dal Convenor Abul Kalam Azad Sweet, and current Convenor Mahfuzur Rahman Riton.
Addressing the leaders and activists, Tarique Rahman said, “The people want to know the future of this country. Do you know why? Because the majority of Bangladesh’s people want to trust BNP. That’s why they seek clarity about the nation’s future.” He emphasised, “We must create employment for the country’s unemployed youth by providing training both domestically and abroad. The education system must be revamped, with new teachers appointed at schools and colleges. Our students are the future of this nation – they are tomorrow’s Bangladesh. Our broken healthcare system must be restructured. The autocrat Hasina shaped the health system in such a way that people are forced to seek treatment in neighboring countries.”
On securing a fair share of water from the Farakka Barrage, Tarique Rahman said, “The Padma River is drying up due to Farakka. What was once a fertile region is now turning into a desert. If necessary, we will go to international courts, even the UN, to secure our rightful share of water. At the same time, we must ensure our canals remain filled so people can use them if water disputes arise again.”
The BNP acting chairman stated that only BNP can gradually rebuild the country. “We saw how famine devastated the nation was in 1974 and 1975 after independence. But during Ziaur Rahman’s time, we increased food production, eradicated famine, and even exported food. BNP has done this before—we know how to rebuild the country.” He added, “The people are looking to BNP, believing that we will steer the country correctly.”
From early morning, leaders and activists from distant areas flocked to the conference venue. By noon, the grounds were packed, with many supporters gathering along the Padma River banks and nearby areas due to lack of space.
Notably, on December 10, 2021, freedom fighter Advocate Ershad Ali Issa was appointed convenor and Mamunur Rashid Mamun as member secretary of the Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP convening committee. After about three and a half months, the committee was expanded to 61 members. Since then, the convening committee has been leading Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP for nearly three and a half years.