Thakurgaon, Feb 07 (V7N)- BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia used to say she had no other address except Bangladesh, and every leader and activist of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party believes that Bangladesh is their first and last address.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally in Thakurgaon on Saturday.

Referring to the upcoming February 12 national election, Tarique Rahman said the people will reclaim their lost rights through this election. “This election is not only about choosing public representatives; it is also an election for the reconstruction of the country,” he said.

Focus on Women, Farmers, and Youth

Speaking on women’s empowerment, Tarique Rahman said the country cannot progress without women’s participation in the workforce. He recalled that Khaleda Zia introduced free education for women and said BNP aims to make women self-reliant.

He announced plans to introduce family cards for women and agricultural cards for farmers, enabling easier access to loans. BNP, he said, wants to waive agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 and repay small NGO loans on behalf of borrowers through government initiatives.

Development Plans for Thakurgaon Region

Describing Thakurgaon as an agriculture-dependent area, Tarique Rahman said BNP would stand by farmers and also establish agro-based industries to create employment. Emphasizing the issue of unemployment, he said the party plans to train youths and turn them into skilled workers.

He outlined several development demands for the region, including:

  • Establishment of sugar mills and weaving industries in Panchagarh and Thakurgaon

  • Setting up a cadet college

  • Construction of cold storage facilities across the region

  • Establishment of a medical college and a university

He also promised that Thakurgaon Airport would be reopened as soon as possible if BNP comes to power.

Politics Beyond Personal Attacks

Tarique Rahman said that attacking rival parties in election rallies does not benefit the people. “People want to know what we will do for them. That is why we have presented our plans,” he said.

Reiterating BNP’s political philosophy, he said, “Khaleda Zia always said she had no other address except Bangladesh. That belief guides every BNP leader and activist. We want to rebuild the country with the power and cooperation of the people.”

Message of Unity

Referring to recent political movements, he said, “We saved the country through the movement of ’24. Now we must move the country forward.” Drawing a parallel with the Liberation War of 1971, he said people were not divided by religion then, nor should they be now.

“People of all religions have lived peacefully in this country for thousands of years. That harmony will continue. No one will be judged based on religion,” Tarique Rahman said.

END/SMA/AJ