BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged the media to offer constructive criticism, saying such engagement will help the party steer the country forward in the future.
He was addressing an event at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel in Banani, where he exchanged greetings with editors and journalists. The programme began around 11am.
This was his first official meeting with the media since becoming BNP chairman.
He also urged everyone to move beyond attitudes of violence and revenge. He said, “We do not want to go back to the days before 5 August. We saw the consequences of violence, revenge, and hostility on that day.”
“Differences of opinion will always exist, but they must be resolved through dialogue. We must ensure disagreements do not turn into divisions,” he added.
On the role of the new generation, he said, “I feel the youths are seeking guidance and hope. People have many expectations from politicians, though not all can be fulfilled. But if we work with the country’s independence and sovereignty in mind, we can move the nation forward.”
Addressing population control, he said women must be included in healthcare initiatives. Reiterating his “I have a Plan” vision, Tarique added that a major part of his plan centres on women’s empowerment.
He also said, “The people of the country are dreaming, though not all hopes may be fulfilled. However, if everyone works for independence and sovereignty, the nation can be led in the right direction.”
He also highlighted issues such as the capital’s water crisis, youth employment, road accident reduction, and effective measures to resolve farmers’ problems. He said his party has planned something different for them.
However, he criticised past initiatives where large buildings were constructed under the name of IT parks but are now being used for unethical activities or as community centres.
Expressing optimism, the BNP chairman said that from 12 February the country will move toward democracy. Ahead of the 13th national election, he announced that starting 22 January the BNP will present its diverse plans to the people.
The event was attended by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas, retired Major Hafizuddin Ahmed, and other senior leaders of the party.
Media personalities Mahfuz Anam, Shafik Rehman, Abdul Hai Sikder, Nurul Kabir, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Mahmudur Rahman, Azam Mir Shahidul Ahsan, Zahirul Alam, journalist leader MA Aziz, Kader Gani Chowdhury, Hasan Hafiz, Shahidul Islam, Khurshid Alam were present among others.
More than 17 years in exile in the United Kingdom, Tarique Rahman returned home with his family on 25 December. Just days later, on 30 December, his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, passed away. Ten days after her death, the BNP’s Standing Committee declared Tarique Rahman as party chairman at a meeting on Saturday night.
