Tarique Rahman, acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, says he will meet the country’s people in person “very soon” as the party pushes its reform agenda ahead of national elections.
Speaking virtually from London during the Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP’s biennial conference on Sunday, Rahman pledged to return and lead what he described as a national effort to restore political rights and rebuild key sectors.
“We strongly believe the majority of voters will support BNP’s election symbol, the sheaf of paddy,” he said. “But there are many challenges ahead in rebuilding the country.”
The event, held near Madrasa Maidan on Eidgah Road in Rajshahi city, brought together senior party advisers, secretaries, and local leaders. City BNP convener Ershad Ali Isha chaired the session, with Mamun-ur-Rashid Mamun as member secretary.
Rahman criticised the former government, which he called “autocratic,” for damaging education, the judiciary, law enforcement, the economy, and healthcare. He said the BNP’s 31-point reform plan, first presented over two years ago, addressed many of the same issues now being discussed by the interim government’s reform commission.
Healthcare reform was a focus. Rahman accused the previous administration of forcing citizens to seek treatment abroad, sending money out of the country. “We must build our own doctors and nurses so people can get quality healthcare here,” he said.
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He also pointed to youth unemployment, promising job creation at home and training programs for overseas employment. Education reform, he said, would focus on appointing skilled teachers and preparing students for future work.
Water resource management was a central topic. Rahman indicated that critical abstraction activities upstream are causing marked depletion of the Padma River, endangering the surrounding agricultural zones. He committed to taking the matter before international tribunals and the United Nations if diplomatic avenues fail, and announced plans to rejuvenate the obsolete canal network to enhance irrigation efficiency.
The BNP leader linked the party’s reform goals to broader economic measures, including small industry development, agricultural support, affordable consumer goods, and fair prices for farmers. He said delays in the judiciary must be reduced to ensure timely justice.
Rahman argued that unity within the party was essential to achieving these goals. Raising both hands during the conference, he urged supporters to stay disciplined and committed. “Most people are looking to BNP,” he said. “Without unity, we cannot overcome these obstacles.”
National elections are expected before next Ramadan. Rahman said that while the vote would be an important step toward restoring rights, the real measure would be forming a government through that vote.
People, he added, want clarity from the BNP about its plans. “They want to trust BNP. It is our responsibility to maintain that trust.”
