We want to eradicate corruption from country: Tarique

"We want to eradicate corruption from the country. We want to rein in all kinds of corruption. The people must come forward to save the country from the monstrous grip of corruption. The country is not the property of any individual; the people are the sole owners of the country," he said. 

The BNP came up with the remarks while addressing a rally as the chief guest at the upazila ground in Shayestaganj Upazila of Habiganj.

He said that the upcoming national election on the February 12 is not just a general election; it is an election to rebuild the nation, restructure the state, and establish people's rule. 

“This election is about electing honest individuals and governing the country based on justice. Over the past 15-16 years, many young men and women in the country have not had the opportunity to vote meaningfully since birth,” he said. 

Tarique Rahman said that the lack of development in the area is due to being deprived of voting rights for this long period. Pointing towards the four candidates on stage, he asked the people whether they know these candidates, the crowd raised their hands, indicating they all know them. He then said the people will send these candidates to parliament by voting for the Sheaf of Paddy symbol.

“Those who became Members of Parliament through farcical elections over the past 15 years did not undertake any development work in the area. The condition of the current highway shows what the state of internal roads in the area is like. Schools, colleges, and hospitals are in a dilapidated state, and people are not receiving services,” he said.
 
To change this situation, a people's government must be established, he said, adding, “There is a need for representatives whom people can approach with their problems, who will take initiative to repair roads if they are damaged, arrange for teachers if schools lack them, and arrange for doctors if hospitals are without them”. 
 
Regarding the election on February 12, the BNP top leader said that on voting day, people should not just offer Fajr prayers but also prepare by offering Tahajjud prayers. “If necessary, you should perform Fajr prayers in congregation in front of the polling center and start voting from 7am,” he said. 

Tarique Rahman said that over the past nearly 16 years, all institutions of the country have been destroyed, and public money has been looted through corruption and smuggled abroad.

“To stop this corruption, the people must be vigilant and aware,” he added. 

Pointing towards the injured and oppressed people sitting beside the stage, he said that it is due to the sacrifice of those who shed blood and gave their lives in the July Uprising that the people have got the opportunity to vote today.

 This opportunity cannot be wasted, he said.

“The country must be run based on justice, realizing that the people are the owners. If governance is not based on justice, people will be deprived of their due rights,” he added. 

Tarique Rahman said that as there are road problems in this area, there is also a major crisis of employment for the youth.

 “If a BNP-led government is formed, employment opportunities will be arranged for unemployed youth.”

There are many tea gardens in this area, and female tea workers live in extreme hardship, additionally, there are many poor families in villages whose housewives struggle to run their households, he said, adding that if BNP is voted to power, 'Family Card' will be delivered to the mothers of every family so they can receive various benefits from the government.

Mentioning the young of the country the BNP Chairman further said vocational and training institutes will be established across the country to transform the youth into a skilled workforce.

Furthermore, he said that another important class in society consists of the Imams, Khatibs, and Muazzins of mosques and madrasas. 

They stand by people from birth to death. If a BNP government is formed, initiatives will be taken for dignified arrangements for them, he said. 

Regarding farmers, Tarique Rahman said that just as Family Cards, 'Farmer Cards' will be given to farmers so that they can receive benefits for fertilizers, seeds, pesticides, insurance, and agricultural loans on easy terms. 

He also said that to implement all these plans, one task is most urgent, voting for the Sheaf of Paddy on February 12.

Tarique Rahman said that to honor the sacrifice of those who shed blood for democracy, everyone must remain vigilant. “Conspiracies have already begun. News has come in newspapers and social media that a political party is trying to seize postal ballots,” he said. 

“Just as vote rigging happened before, vote engineering has started again now. Therefore, the people must remain vigilant and cautious,” he added. 

Without mentioning the name of a political party he said in 1971, this party opposed the country's independence, and due to their role, millions of people were martyred, and the honor of mothers and sisters was violated. 

“It is also being heard that people from this party are going door-to-door collecting National ID numbers and mobile numbers, especially from mothers and sisters, collecting bKash numbers, and sending money. 

Those who engage in dishonest practices even before the election can never establish honest governance,” said the BNP chief. 

He said that according to international organization reports, corruption started decreasing in the country during Khaleda Zia's tenure after 2001. 

“Those who are now trying to buy votes can never provide honest governance.

 During BNP's tenure, schools, colleges, roads, and factories were built, and many people got employment opportunities abroad.”

“Many people flee to other countries in times of crisis, but Khaleda Zia never left the country. She stayed and fought here.

 This is why BNP says "First Bangladesh, my last Bangladesh," he added. 

Tarique Rahman launched his party’s election campaign at the Sylhet Alia Madrasa ground at 1pm. After delivering a speech in Sylhet, he proceeded by road to address a public gathering in Sherpur of Moulvibazar.

From there, he reached Shayestaganj in the evening.
Subsequently, the BNP Chairman will address a rally in Sarail of Brahmanbaria, reports BSS.