BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday called for a shift in Bangladesh's political culture, saying politics must move beyond decades of blame and confrontation and focus on improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Speaking virtually at a programme in Jashore, where BNP provided financial assistance to three-year-old Afia, a child born with albinism, Tarique Rahman said, "Those of us who are involved in politics-who do we do it for? We do it for the people of this country. Standing beside the people is the highest form of politics."
He emphasized that real politics is about serving people, reducing suffering, and ensuring welfare, rather than merely criticizing rivals from public platforms.
Supporting the Vulnerable
Afia and her mother have been living in hardship after her father abandoned them due to the child's condition, accusing the mother of infidelity. Tarique Rahman expressed sympathy for them and stressed that no child should suffer or face discrimination because of a genetic condition.
He added that BNP's vision of people-centered politics includes standing beside the helpless in natural disasters, social crises, and everyday hardships, just as the party did for Afia.
Plans for Welfare and Development
Tarique Rahman outlined initiatives BNP plans to implement if it comes to power with public support in the February 12 election.
He said the party will launch a Family Card programme to provide direct support to poor families, with cards issued in the names of women as heads of households to ensure accountability. Emphasizing the importance of agriculture, he proposed a Farmers' Card to support farmers, ensure fair prices for produce, and boost rural livelihoods.
Tarique Rahman also highlighted the party's plan to revive large-scale canal excavation programmes, inspired by initiatives under the late President Ziaur Rahman, to tackle water shortages, floods, and irrigation issues in both rural and urban areas.
On healthcare, he said millions of rural residents, especially women and children, lack basic medical services. BNP plans to recruit and train one lakh health workers to provide doorstep healthcare in villages.
Empowering Women and Religious Leaders
Tarique Rahman stressed that women's economic empowerment is crucial for national progress, referencing free education for girls up to higher secondary level under Begum Khaleda Zia. He said the party aims to create employment opportunities for women and help them become financially self-reliant.
He also announced plans to introduce a state-supported allowance and honour system for imams, khatibs, muezzins, and other religious leaders, ensuring they can live with dignity and self-respect.
A Vision for Bangladesh
Tarique Rahman concluded by urging Bangladesh to unite under the principle of "We will work and build the country, Bangladesh first." He assured citizens, "Insha'Allah, when BNP forms the government, just as Begum Khaleda Zia always stood beside you, her party BNP will also stand firmly beside you."
