BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has declared that the upcoming election is more than a mere selection of representatives; it is a mission to restore the people’s lost rights and rebuild the nation.
Speaking at an election rally at the Nilphamari High School field on Saturday afternoon, he stated that if the BNP forms the government, it will implement the Teesta Megaplan alongside other major development projects across the northern region.
Tarique emphasised the party’s desire to move the country forward, revealing plans to transform the districts of Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh into industrial zones.
He sought public support to realise these plans and urged voters to cast their ballots for the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol.
Industrial and agricultural vision
Describing Nilphamari as an agriculture-dependent district, the BNP leader promised to establish it as a regional agricultural hub.
He pledged to create employment by setting up agri-based industries and vowed that a BNP administration would expand the Uttara Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and modernise the Syedpur Railway Workshop.
Tarique announced plans to upgrade Syedpur Airport to international standards and fast-track the development of infrastructure for medical colleges and universities in the area. Kishoriganj Upazila is also slated to be developed as a regional agricultural hub under these proposals.
Rights and social welfare
Regarding voting rights, Tarique asserted that the election on 12 February would return power to the people, alleging that the “autocratic rule” of the past 16 years had prioritised self-interest over national welfare.
He stated that the BNP, with public backing, aims to achieve national self-sufficiency in food. On the issue of women’s empowerment, he remarked that national progress is impossible without involving women in the workforce.
Recalling former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s initiative for free female education, he promised to provide “Family Cards” to every household to help women become self-reliant.
For the farming community, the BNP chairman announced the introduction of “Agriculture Cards” to facilitate loans on easy terms.
He pledged to waive agricultural loans of up to 10,000 BDT and stated that the government would take the responsibility of paying off NGO micro-loans on behalf of the public.
He further detailed plans to establish agriculture-based industries to provide jobs for the unemployed youth, who would also receive training to become a skilled workforce.
Tarique concluded by stating his intention to rebuild the country alongside the people through continued movement and struggle.
During the rally, Tarique introduced the BNP-led alliance candidates for the four constituencies of Nilphamari – Engineer Shahrin Islam Chowdhury Tuhin for Nilphamari-2 (Sadar), Syed Ali for Nilphamari-3, Abdul Gafur Sarker for Nilphamari-4, and Manjurul Islam for Nilphamari-1, who is contesting under the “Date Tree” symbol.
The event was chaired by District BNP Convener Mir Selim Faruque and moderated by Member Secretary AHM Saifullah Rubel. Following the meeting, Tarique departed by helicopter to attend another rally in Dinajpur.
