Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party - BNP, Mr. Tarique Rahman has said that “BNP is firmly committed to rebuilding the nation.”

He stated, “Through immense bloodshed and sacrifice, we have regained our right to vote. Now we must utilize this opportunity to rebuild the country. BNP will remain proactive in nation-building. BNP stood by the people in the past, stands by them now, and will continue to do so in the future.”

He made these remarks at an election rally held at 12:00 noon on Monday at the Banani Kamal Atatürk Avenue Playground in Dhaka-17 constituency.

The BNP Chairman said, “If, Insha’Allah, my party is elected by your votes and the votes of the people of this country, we want to transform all cities—especially Dhaka—into safe cities. A city where mothers and sisters can walk freely and safely at any time; where people can live securely, run businesses, and work without fear. We want to build a beautiful city where residents can breathe freely.”

Outlining BNP’s plans to change people’s lives, Tarique Rahman said, “BNP is the only political party with concrete plans and experience in governing the country. If we get the opportunity to form the government through the people’s vote, we have specific plans for women—how to further empower them.” In this context, he recalled various initiatives taken for women’s development during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Noting that women constitute half of the country’s population, he said, “Real national development is impossible without involving women in the development journey. That is why BNP has announced the ‘Family Card’ program. Under this initiative, family cards will be delivered to homemakers of working-class families across the country, and the government will provide monthly financial assistance so families can gradually become economically self-reliant.”

Speaking about farmers, he said, “If farmers do well, the country will do well. During previous BNP governments, initiatives were taken to waive interest on agricultural loans and land taxes. Continuing that legacy, if BNP forms the government, agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka, including interest, will be waived.”

He also spoke about employment for the country’s youth—both men and women—through the establishment of ICT, vocational, and various technical institutions. “We have placed before you plans to ensure that every person, regardless of party affiliation, class, or profession, can become economically self-reliant.”

Regarding expatriate workers, the BNP Chairman said, “Many people are forced to sell ancestral land to go abroad for work. If BNP forms the government, low-interest loans will be arranged for trained migrant workers so they can go abroad without selling their land.”

On healthcare, he said, “Minimum healthcare for the people will be ensured. Arrangements will be made so that mothers, sisters, and children can receive primary healthcare at the village and ward levels. If BNP forms the government, initiatives will be taken to quickly build government hospitals. BNP also plans to recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide so people can receive basic healthcare at home.”

Tarique Rahman added, “BNP has taken plans to improve the living standards of religious leaders—imams, khatibs, muezzins, and religious figures of all faiths. If BNP forms the government, these individuals will receive government assistance.”

He continued, “To bring about these changes and implement these plans, neither I nor my party BNP can succeed without your support and cooperation. I want to ask you: BNP has presented its plans to you as a political party—but what is your plan on the 12th? Tell me.”

At this point, thousands of leaders, activists, and supporters chanted in unison, “Sheaf of Paddy, Sheaf of Paddy.” Tarique Rahman joined the chant: “We will work, we will build the nation—Bangladesh first.”

He said, “Insha’Allah, if you succeed in your plan on the 12th, BNP will, by the grace of Allah, gradually implement all the plans for the people of the country and the commitments we have made for this area.”

Referring to Dhaka-17 constituency, he said air pollution and traffic congestion have become major problems. “If we work together, these problems can be solved. BNP has always believed that the people are the ultimate source of all power. We do not want to make promises that are beyond the people’s capacity or means.”

Introducing himself, he said, “I am your candidate—the Sheaf of Paddy candidate—from Dhaka-17. I am a son of this area. I grew up here from my childhood; my children were born here; my and my brother’s marriages took place here.”

“Therefore, as a son of this area, I humbly seek votes for the Sheaf of Paddy from the elders, mothers, brothers, and sisters of this locality. I respectfully request you to elect the Sheaf of Paddy, Insha’Allah, in the election on the 12th.”

Concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman once again sought votes for the Sheaf of Paddy, saying, “As the Dhaka-17 candidate, I seek your verdict in favor of the Sheaf of Paddy. Through you, I want to send this message across the country: when the country is ours, we must take responsibility for it ourselves. Vote for the Sheaf of Paddy—give us the opportunity to build the nation.”