BNP won’t run country like fugitive autocrat: Tarique

"The way the Awami autocracy ran the country in the past, we will not run the country in that way. We will bring about a change, and we will work for the welfare of the country. That’s why we have presented this plan to you for building the nation…Insha'Allah, we will implement it if we are elected," he said.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing virtually the last day event of the BNP's 7-day programme titled 'Plan for Nation Building' at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) Convention Hall in the city as the chief guest.

Mentioning the 31-point demand, the Acting Chairman said, "When we presented the 31-point proposal about two and a half years ago, no one was using the word 'reform.' The BNP put forward this proposal despite the threat of the autocracy. It prioritizes improving the living standards of the general populace." 

He noted that the plan encompasses women's development, farmers' fair dues, students' education, employment for the youth, and dignity for Imams and Muazzins of mosques and madrasas.


Tarique Rahman also said that if the party's proposed 31-point reform and nation-building plan is implemented, it will gradually lead to a positive transformation in the lives of the people of Bangladesh.

He reffered to the party's proposed ‘Family Card’ and ‘Farmer Card’ and noted that their popularity among the people, saying, “popularity alone is insufficient; implementation is crucial. Therefore, there is a urgent need for holding a free and fair election supported by the people.”

Regarding employment, Tarique Rahman stressed on the necessity of language training and technical education to enhance the skills of young people. 

Citing examples from Japan, Europe, and the Middle East, he argued that sending skilled and trained manpower instead of unskilled laborers would increase both income and respect. He used the example of underwater welders, stating that Bangladesh is losing out on significant foreign exchange earnings due to a lack of necessary training.

Addressing the environment and water scarcity, he warned that river pollution, the dropping level of groundwater, and industrial waste are pushing the country toward a grave risk. 

He stressed the importance of river and canal restoration and water management, continuing the legacy of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman's canal-digging programme.

In the health sector, the BNP supreme leader said that simply announcing the construction of hospitals is not realistic. He proposed ensuring prompt treatment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), leveraging the existing capacity of government and private facilities. Furthermore, he outlined a plan to bring primary healthcare to every homest by recruiting one lakh (100,000) health workers.

Highlighting the role of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in promoting women's education and empowerment, he stated that the BNP aims to build economically self-reliant mothers based on the foundation of educated mothers. 

The ‘Family Card’ would be instrumental in achieving this goal, he added.

Tarique Rahman emphasized that the country's youth must be developed not only through academics but also through sports, arts, culture, and debate. This approach will help keep young people away from drugs and depression.

Touching upon recent violent incidents and political conspiracies, he said, "The conspiracy has not stopped." However, he urged all to move forward with unity and discipline alongside the people, rather than succumbing to fear. 

He claimed that in past crises, the BNP successfully rescued the country from the brink of destruction and will be able to do so in the future because the BNP alone possesses both the necessary plan and capacity.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi presided over the event.

Earlier, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated the event this morning.

BNP joint secretary general Habib-un -Nabi Khan Sohel moderated the event while BNP Acting Chairman’s Adviser Mahdi Amin, among others BNP senior leaders, spoke in the event, reports BSS.