BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that a Padma Barrage will be constructed as an alternative to the “death trap” Farakka Barrage. Speaking at the grand election rally for the 13th National Parliamentary Election at the historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi, he also announced new initiatives to further strengthen the Barind (Borendra) Project in Rajshahi, a region known for agriculture. He recalled that BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia made significant contributions to the development of the Barind Project.

Addressing the rally chaired by Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP President Alhaj Mamunur Rashid Mamun, Tarique Rahman said Rajshahi is widely known as an education city, yet there is very limited activity in the IT sector. He said the ICT Park would be made more dynamic to create employment opportunities for educated youth. He emphasized that mothers and sisters must be educated up to the HSC level so that women can also access employment opportunities.

He further stated that BNP wants to provide a Family Card to every mother in the country, so families can meet their essential needs more easily. He expressed these commitments while addressing a massive crowd as the chief guest on Thursday.

Tarique Rahman arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi at 12:30 PM. This was his first visit to Rajshahi as the party chief, his previous visit having taken place in 2004. After landing, he traveled under tight security through Amtola, City Hat, Terokhadia, Laxmipur, C&B, and Circuit House to the shrine of Shah Makhdum (R). After offering Zuhr prayers and paying respects at the shrine, he arrived at the rally venue at Madrasa Maidan at 1:55 PM with his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Upon stepping onto the stage, he greeted the crowd by waving both hands, and the audience responded with loud applause and slogans.

Speakers at the rally included BNP candidates and senior leaders from Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj districts, among them Mizanur Rahman Minu, Brigadier General (Retd.) Sharif Uddin, Harunur Rashid, Professor Shajahan Mia, Aminul Islam, Ruhul Quddus Talukdar Dulu, Abdul Aziz, Abu Sayed Chand, Advocate Shafiqul Haque Milon, D.M. Ziaur Rahman, Farzana Sharmin Putul, Syed Shaheen Shawkat, AHM Obaidur Rahman Chandan, and Nazmul Hossain, among others.

Although the rally was scheduled to begin at noon, Madrasa Maidan was filled to capacity by 10 AM with people from Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj. Supporters carrying paddy sheaf symbols, wearing colorful caps and T-shirts, and chanting slogans created a festive atmosphere. As the crowd exceeded the capacity of the ground, surrounding areas such as Fire Brigade Mor, Sipaipara, and the banks of the Padma River were also packed with people. As Tarique Rahman returned from the Shah Makhdum shrine in a bulletproof vehicle marked “Bangladesh,” people lined both sides of the road, waving and showering flower petals in welcome.

Rajshahi turned festive on the occasion of his visit, with banners, slogans, and visible excitement across the city. From early morning, hundreds of thousands of leaders and activists gathered in small processions from areas such as Binodpur, Talaimari, Alupatti, Saheb Bazar, and the C&B area to join the rally.

During the rally, Rajshahi Sadar candidate Mizanur Rahman Minu proposed building a Padma Barrage as an alternative to Farakka if BNP comes to power. Tarique Rahman reaffirmed this commitment in his speech. Addressing the public, he said BNP does not want conflict with anyone, and if any unrest arises, the interim government should resolve it. He added that BNP, if elected, would ensure farmers receive Agriculture Cards to access bank loans, seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs easily.

He criticized so-called mega projects of the past, saying they led to massive looting without real development for local people. He stressed that the upcoming election is crucial for safeguarding democracy, stating that a strong democratic foundation is essential for a strong democracy. He noted that millions of people have been harassed with false cases and said establishing democracy is necessary to change this situation.

Calling on voters to participate spontaneously and vote for the paddy sheaf symbol, he said it is time to rebuild the country and restore democracy. He urged voters to keep an eye on the candidates until election day and assured that from February 13 onward, the elected representatives would be accountable to the people. He concluded by saying that the people’s victory march would begin after the February 12 election.

At the end of the rally, Tarique Rahman met and exchanged greetings with the families of those killed and injured in the July uprising, offering condolences and inquiring about their well-being.