BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday warned that Bangladesh’s very existence would be at risk if the party is not voted to power in the upcoming national election, urging party members to intensify efforts to secure the victory of the “Sheaf of Paddy.”
Speaking virtually at the closing session of the fourth day of BNP’s “Plan to Build the Country” program, Tarique called on leaders and activists to take the party’s campaign to every corner of the country.
“If we do not wake up, if we do not take the field in this fight, the country will be ruined. Every time, your party has saved this country. If you look back at history, you will see that your party has always protected the nation,” he said.
Tarique recalled that whenever Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia were entrusted with leading the country, they rescued it from danger. “Now that the responsibility of Shaheed Zia and Khaleda Zia has come to your shoulders, you must protect this country. Everyone must stand up. You must leave your homes, reach out to the people, and go to every corner of the country. Only then will we succeed,” he said.
He emphasized that winning with the “Sheaf of Paddy” is essential to implement BNP’s well-planned programs for the people. “We must ensure the victory of the Sheaf of Paddy, as there is no alternative. By winning, we can put our plans into action… We must save the country. Bangladesh comes first. No compromise,” Tarique said.
The BNP leader said the party has prepared extensive plans to rebuild the country, but these must now be translated into action. “Many plans were made in Bangladesh in the past, but they remained just plans. We want to turn our plans into reality for the people’s benefit.”
Highlighting key priorities, Tarique said BNP aims to improve healthcare, education, and employment systems, starting initiatives now that the next generation will continue. “To start this work, we must take the people with us. We must convince them and show that we can do this difficult task — and we will do it.”
Tarique also called out the public’s fatigue with constant political arguments on television and in newspapers, stressing the need for clear solutions. “Now people want answers, not debates. The public expects political parties to explain what they will actually do if given the chance.”
He said BNP is the only party to present a detailed plan to enhance roads, healthcare, education, and employment, urging members to share the party’s vision with voters. “We cannot just talk; we must act and work together to spread BNP’s message and win the people’s trust.”
Recalling past development failures, Tarique criticized underutilized infrastructure projects, including empty IT parks and facilities used for non-productive purposes. He promised that BNP will avoid unnecessary mega projects, which he said lead to corruption. “One of our main goals is that we will not go for any mega projects. Mega projects mean mega corruption. We must control corruption. We will spend the state’s money — the people’s money — on education, healthcare, and human development,” he said.
Tarique outlined BNP’s initiatives for youth, education, and national development, including better training, affordable internet, and small workspaces to encourage IT and online entrepreneurship. He also highlighted environmental and agricultural plans, including dredging rivers and canals and planting 250 million trees over the next five years.
The BNP Acting Chairman criticized the previous Awami League government for human rights violations. “Every citizen has the right to express their views safely. BNP’s responsibility as a major political party is to ensure that people with different opinions can speak freely without fear,” he said.
He added that proper support for agriculture could boost exports, ensure fair prices for farmers, and encourage investment in mills and factories, benefiting both urban and rural communities.
The party had earlier announced a six-day workshop starting 27 November, involving Chhatra Dal, Krishak Dal, Ulema Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, and other front organizations to prepare for campaigning before the polls.
The fourth day of the program was inaugurated by BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka’s Farmgate, with BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi in the chair. Leaders and activists of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal and Krishak Dal also participated.
