Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his party does not want to make any promises that go beyond the ability and capacity of the people to realize, reiterating that the BNP firmly believes the people are the true source of all state power.
"We do not want to make promises that are beyond people’s capacity and means. BNP always believes that the people are the ultimate source of all power," he said.
Tarique Rahman made these remarks on Sunday afternoon (February 8) while addressing a street rally at Senpara Adarsha Government High School ground in Mirpur-10, organized in support of BNP candidate Shafiqul Islam Khan Milton for Dhaka-15 constituency.
In this constituency, BNP’s principal rival candidate is Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman.
Describing the February 12 national election as a historic opportunity for rebuilding the country, Tarique Rahman said, "This election should not be seen merely as a voting day. February 12 must become the election for rebuilding the nation and transforming the fate of the people."
He urged voters to consider the election as a decisive moment to restore democracy, ensure justice, and reshape Bangladesh’s future.
Tarique Rahman emphasized that BNP would only make realistic and achievable commitments, saying, "We are making promises that are practically possible to implement. We are not offering any pledge that is impossible to realize in real life."
He said BNP’s election manifesto clearly outlines practical and people-oriented plans for women, students, unemployed youth, farmers, migrant workers, and healthcare services.
Highlighting women’s empowerment as a priority, Tarique Rahman said women constitute half of the country’s population, and empowering them is essential for national progress.
He recalled that during former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure, free education for girls from Class One to Class Twelve was introduced, which significantly increased female literacy and participation.
He announced that if BNP forms the government, the party will introduce a “Family Card” system, under which housewives will receive direct government support, aiming to make women financially independent and socially empowered.
Addressing the employment crisis, Tarique Rahman said at least one vocational institute will be established in every region of the country, providing language education and technical training.
These centers will enable young people to start their own businesses or secure overseas employment, helping reduce unemployment and enhance skilled manpower exports.
For migrant workers, he said low-interest bank loans will be introduced, so that people no longer have to sell land or property to bear migration costs.
Reaffirming BNP’s commitment to agriculture, Tarique Rahman said, "If farmers prosper, Bangladesh prospers."
He announced that BNP would introduce a “Farmer Card”, and agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 will be waived, including interest, to support small farmers.
On healthcare, he pledged to recruit healthcare workers across rural areas to ensure primary healthcare services reach every village.
For Dhaka-15 residents, he announced plans to establish a hospital in the area and immediately commence long-pending construction of the 100-feet road, significantly improving healthcare access and traffic conditions.
Calling for collective efforts to rebuild the nation, Tarique Rahman said, "Our single mission is to rebuild Bangladesh. Our first and last destination is this country."
He also paid tribute to those injured and martyred during the July mass movement, stating that their sacrifices must be honored through justice, democracy, and national reconstruction.
Earlier, Tarique Rahman began his campaign activities from Engineering Construction Brigade (ECB) intersection in Dhaka-17, followed by rallies in Pallabi for Dhaka-16 candidate Aminul Haque.
Later in the day, he was scheduled to hold street rallies at National Bangla High School field, Shyamoli Club ground, and Badda Satarkul Sun Valley in support of Dhaka-14 candidate Sayedul Islam Tuli.
The rallies were attended by several senior BNP leaders, including BNP Executive Committee Member Tabith Awal and Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib, along with local party leaders and activists.
