BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to generate 10 million jobs within five years if his party is elected to office.
Addressing eight road rallies across the capital, he urged the public to vote for the “Sheaf of Paddy” candidate to facilitate national reconstruction and meet the challenges of a country with nearly 200 million people.
Speaking on the final day of election campaign on Monday afternoon at the Banani Kamal Ataturk field – situated in his own constituency, Dhaka-17 – Tarique noted that the upcoming Thursday election is a long-awaited event for which many have sacrificed their lives over the last 16 years, including during the July movement.
He said BNP is the only political entity capable of implementing the programmes necessary to change the nation’s fortune and urged the electorate to grant the party the opportunity to lead.
Warning against electoral sabotage
At a separate rally in the Dhaka-10 constituency held at the Kalabagan Krira Chakra field, the BNP chairman cautioned the public against “secret conspirators.”
He claimed that certain circles had been caught manufacturing fake ballot seals and warned of individuals visiting homes to collect NID and bKash numbers to mislead citizens.
Tarique stressed that vigilance is essential to protect the voting rights established through the blood of martyrs, or those rights might once again be lost to conspiracy.
Blueprints for employment, social welfare
Detailing his party’s vision at a rally on Pir Jongi Mazar Road for the Dhaka-8 constituency, Tarique outlined plans to establish vocational, technical, and IT institutes across all districts to transform the youth into skilled citizens.
He announced that the BNP has decided to provide government-sponsored micro-loans to skilled workers seeking employment abroad to ensure they do not have to sell their land to cover migration costs.
Tarique also promised the recruitment of 100,000 health workers to create further employment opportunities. His party’s plan includes the introduction of Family Cards, Agriculture Cards, and health services, alongside honorariums for religious leaders, including Imams and Muazzins.
Economic reforms and security
The BNP leader also took aim at the governance of the last 15 years, alleging that “mega projects” had resulted in “mega corruption.” He vowed that a BNP government would curb corruption, restore law and order, and ensure public safety.
To solve the unemployment crisis, he stated the party would invite and encourage both domestic and foreign investors to establish factories across the country.
Throughout Monday, Tarique addressed successive gatherings in the Dhaka-9, Dhaka-5, Dhaka-4, Dhaka-6, and Dhaka-7 constituencies.
These followed similar engagements across six parliamentary seats in Dhaka North on Sunday. All election campaigning is scheduled to conclude at 7:30am on Tuesday.
