Tarique Rahman to Seek Public Input on Policy Decisions

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has announced plans to seek advice and opinions from people of all walks of life on major national and party issues, including the upcoming general election, internal party management, and governance if the BNP comes to power.

The move aims to ensure that public expectations and views are reflected in both party activities and future state administration, while encouraging broader political participation across Bangladesh.

According to party sources, Rahman will soon invite public opinions through a newly introduced QR code system, allowing citizens to share their views on a wide range of issues. As part of the initiative, the BNP has launched a digital platform titled Match My Policy.

BNP Standing Committee member and former state minister Salahuddin Ahmed said the party intends to shape its policies, election strategies, and governance framework based on people’s opinions. “This initiative has been taken so that the aspirations and expectations of the people are reflected in every activity of the BNP and any future government,” he said.

Party insiders said the web-based platform was introduced in the context of the post-July mass uprising to promote policy-based discussions and greater political engagement, particularly among young people. Through the platform, citizens can compare their views with BNP policies and share feedback directly.

The platform, described as Bangladesh’s first interactive digital policy initiative, allows users to respond to brief summaries of party policies through a simple swipe-based interface. An additional “Opinion” option enables users to submit written suggestions on specific policy issues. BNP leaders said the goal is to make future plans more people-oriented, effective, and realistic through direct public input.

BNP Assistant Information and Technology Affairs Secretary HM Saif Ali Khan said the initiative signals the start of a new political culture focused on participatory democracy, policy-driven politics, and direct citizen engagement.

Election campaign to begin in Sylhet

Tarique Rahman is set to begin his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election from Sylhet on 22 January. Party Media Cell Convener Md Moudud Hossain Alamgir said Rahman will start the campaign after visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R), followed by roadside gatherings and public rallies.

Speaking at a greetings exchange programme with editors and journalists in Dhaka on Saturday, Rahman said political parties would begin presenting their plans to the people as the election approaches.

Party sources said election symbols are scheduled to be allocated on 21 January, with formal campaigning beginning the following day. After his Sylhet visit, Rahman is expected to return to Dhaka by road, holding rallies in Moulvibazar and Sreemangal along the way. A previously planned visit to northern Bangladesh was postponed at the request of the Election Commission following a meeting of the party’s National Standing Committee.