Dr Zubaida Rahman, wife of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Wednesday said patriotism must take precedence over the pursuit of power, stressing that the party’s politics is rooted in planning, unity, and human dignity, not personal ambition.
Addressing a consultation meeting organised by the BNP Election Management Professionals Committee at Hatirjheel Amphitheatre in the capital, she said, “In BNP’s politics, it is not ‘I’ but ‘we’ that comes first. The country comes before personal interest, and patriotism is greater than power. With this philosophy, we want to move forward.”
The event was held in connection with the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election. Dr Zubaida Rahman, speaking as the chief guest, outlined BNP’s vision of building a discrimination-free Bangladesh grounded in equality, justice, and inclusive development.
She said the experiences shared by people from the Bhashantek and Korail slums, garment workers, and transport workers reflect not just individual suffering but systemic failures of the state. “Their struggles are a mirror of institutional breakdown. But with proper planning and people’s participation, permanent solutions are possible,” she said.
Dr Zubaida emphasised the need to ensure fair compensation for workers, promote merit-based employment, and eliminate the culture of impunity to safeguard citizens’ rights. “The people are the true source of state power, not political leaders,” she added.
The meeting, held in Dhaka-17 constituency, brought together slum residents, garment workers, transport labourers, and professionals, who shared their concerns and expectations. The session was chaired by Professor Dr Farhad Halim Donar, leader of the BNP Election Management Professionals Committee.
Speaking as a special guest, BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said that if BNP forms the government, it will take practical and realistic steps to improve the living standards of all working people, including garment workers.
He said wages would be fixed considering not only commodity prices but also overall living costs, including transportation and healthcare.
He announced plans to establish a wage review commission every two years, instead of the current five-year interval. Khan also pledged safe housing and transport facilities for female workers and proposed multi-storey housing projects in slum areas, including Korail, to rehabilitate residents rather than evict them. He said flats would be allocated transparently and in advance in the names of slum dwellers.
Describing the transport sector as the country’s “lifeline,” Khan said BNP would introduce insurance schemes for transport workers, alongside government-subsidised medical treatment and financial support for families affected by accidents or illness.
Representing Bhashantek slum residents, homemaker Tania Akter said a housing project initiated during BNP rule had failed due to mismanagement, depriving the poorest families of homes. She described Tarique Rahman as a patriotic leader close to the people and urged swift solutions to long-standing problems in Bhashantek, Dhamalkot, and Shattala areas. She also called for employment opportunities for homemakers and effective measures to prevent child marriage.
From Korail, Titumir College student Fatema Akter Bithi highlighted the disruption caused by repeated eviction drives and urged the implementation of permanent housing projects based on community consultation. She noted the absence of government primary and secondary schools in Korail, calling for educational institutions, technical training centres, cultural facilities, universities, and research laboratories. She also stressed the urgent need for maternity and childcare services, citing serious risks to mothers and newborns due to inadequate healthcare and sanitation.
Speaking for Shattala residents, Southeast University student Nargis Akter warned of severe fire hazards caused by overcrowding and illegal gas and electricity connections. She demanded improved fire safety systems, safer utility connections, and the establishment of a modern maternity centre. Highlighting women’s security concerns, she said drug abuse had made the area unsafe and called for improved lighting and street security.
Representing transport workers, Nazrul Islam Babu said excessive numbers of autorickshaws had increased accidents and reduced livelihoods for traditional rickshaw pullers. He alleged harassment, excessive fees for licence renewals, and mandatory medical tests, urging a labour-friendly transport policy.
On behalf of female garment workers, Fatema Khatun demanded the extension of maternity leave from four to six months, in line with government service standards. She also raised concerns about workplace harassment, forced overtime, and abuse by supervisors, calling for strict enforcement of labour rights. Additionally, she urged the introduction of subsidised rationing systems and safer transport for women workers.
Concluding the event, Dr Zubaida Rahman reiterated BNP’s guiding principle: “Before me comes we, before us comes the nation, and above all stands Bangladesh.” She said BNP aims to build a humane, equitable, and inclusive state through participatory governance and compassionate leadership.
