BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has acknowledged the party’s past mistakes during its time in government and sincerely apologised to the nation.
He pledged to the people that BNP would build a safer Bangladesh for future generations by learning from these errors and called for votes for the “Sheaf of Paddy” in the 12 February election.
“For the successful implementation of BNP’s plans, I seek your support and votes for the Sheaf of Paddy,” he said.
In a televised address on Bangladesh Television (BTV) on Monday night, ahead of the 13th parliamentary election, Tarique emphasised that the success of every plan depends on enforcing strict anti-corruption laws, establishing the rule of law, and holding the government accountable to the people.
“If we have your support in running the state, the government will be accountable to the people. BNP will be as strict as possible in curbing corruption, and the rule of law will be re-established. This is my commitment, BNP’s commitment. The source of all BNP’s political power is you, the people,” he declared.
He also appealed to the youth: “Let the first vote of the youth be for the Sheaf of Paddy. On 12 February, take the responsibility of electing the Sheaf of Paddy candidates. From the 13th, your elected MPs will take on their responsibilities. I will ensure that they fulfil their duties properly.”
Tarique reflected on the struggles of BNP and other pro-democracy political parties, condemning the fascist rule that resulted in torture, abduction, and murder.
“The infamous ‘Aynaghar’ turned into a living grave for innocent people,” he said. He recalled the 2024 mass uprising, during which over 1,400 people were killed, and at least 300 were injured.
He expressed condolences to the martyrs and the injured, saying, “Every life lost represents a family’s shattered dreams and hopes. We cannot let their sacrifices go in vain. We, who are still alive by Allah’s grace, must work to establish the Bangladesh they dreamed of – a just, safe, and democratic country.”
He also highlighted the unemployment crisis, with over 2.7 million unemployed, including nearly 900,000 highly educated graduates.
“Among these, about 22% are youth who are neither employed nor engaged in education or training. Most of them are between 15 and 29 years old,” he noted.
Tarique promised that if BNP forms the government, the party will provide financial support for educated youth for up to a year or until employment is found. He also announced plans to issue Family Cards for every family in the country.
The BNP leader explained that harnessing the power of the workforce is key to transforming Bangladesh into a self-reliant and prosperous nation. “Therefore, we have placed the highest priority on the welfare of farmers,” he said.
He also mentioned plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, with 80% of them being women, to provide primary healthcare in every union.
Despite the challenges, Tarique praised BNP’s 31-point proposal presented in 2023 against the fascist rule, stating that after months of consultation with experts, the implementation process and plans were finalised.
He added that by ending corruption and money laundering, initiatives such as Family Cards, Pharmaceutical Cards, and unemployment allowances can be realised.
Tarique reminded the nation that more than 90% of Bangladesh’s population is Muslim. He stated, “It was President Ziaur Rahman who incorporated full trust and faith in Allah into the constitution, but the subservient government removed it.”
He assured the nation that if BNP comes to power, this phrase will be re-incorporated into the constitution.
Tarique concluded by reaffirming BNP’s commitment to building a safe Bangladesh for all people – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, believers, non-believers, and sceptics.
