Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday pledged to discover new gas fields across the country and ensure uninterrupted gas supply to every household, alongside launching wide-ranging economic, industrial and social reforms if his party is voted to power in the upcoming national election.
Speaking at a campaign rally in the capital’s Jatrabari area for the Dhaka-5 constituency, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh possesses vast untapped gas reserves and accused previous governments of relying excessively on costly imported gas rather than exploring domestic resources.
“Bangladesh has abundant natural gas. Inshallah, we will discover new gas fields and extract gas to deliver it to every household. The previous government imported gas from abroad but failed to explore new gas reserves within the country,” he said.
Tarique said that over the past decade and a half, people had been deprived of their voting and fundamental democratic rights.
“For more than 12 years, people were denied their right to vote and even their basic human dignity. Today, citizens can finally speak freely and express their opinions. They are preparing to exercise their political rights once again,” he said.
He warned that elements linked to past authoritarian practices were still conspiring behind the scenes, citing reports of individuals being caught while attempting to produce fake election seals.
Addressing party activists, he urged vigilance on polling day. “You must remain alert. Stand at polling centers from early morning after Fajr prayers so no one dares to commit wrongdoing. Do not just cast your vote and leave. Stay until the results are confirmed,” he said.
Highlighting BNP’s governance track record, Tarique vowed to impose strict controls on corruption.
“We have witnessed how billions of dollars were siphoned off through corruption over the past 16 years. BNP has the capacity to control corruption,” he said, adding that during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure from 2001 to 2006, Bangladesh significantly curbed corruption through strict management and reforms.
Later in the evening, addressing a street rally at the Jurain–Dayaganj Link Road in Dhaka-4 constituency, Tarique outlined his party’s plans to revive closed industries, attract foreign investment, and generate mass employment.
“If elected, we will reopen closed factories and establish new industries to create jobs for our youth,” he said.
He cited the decline of industrial activity in the Shyampur area, where the number of dyeing factories reportedly dropped from 42 to 18, severely affecting livelihoods. BNP, he said, would revive these factories and expand industrial zones.
Tarique also said discussions with foreign diplomats had already taken place, with several countries expressing interest in investing in Bangladesh after the election.
To tackle unemployment, he announced plans to establish vocational, technical and IT training centers across Dhaka and nationwide.
“Through proper training, our youth will become skilled manpower capable of securing jobs both at home and abroad,” he said.
Tarique promised solutions to long-standing urban problems, including waterlogging, canal dredging, access roads to graveyards, healthcare shortages, and factory closures.
“If people elect a BNP government, these problems will be solved. Development initiatives carried out during Begum Khaleda Zia’s tenure will be revived and expanded,” he said.
He announced plans to establish a hospital in the Dhaka-4 area and recruit 100,000 health workers nationwide to deliver door-to-door medical services, improving healthcare access while generating employment.
Emphasizing women’s empowerment, Tarique unveiled a “Family Card” initiative aimed at providing direct government assistance to homemakers, enabling them to become financially self-reliant.
He also pledged targeted support for farmers, improved law and order, and education reforms to raise overall living standards.
“Democracy is not just about voting rights. It also includes economic security, employment, healthcare, and safety,” he said.
Describing the upcoming election as a “nation-building election,” Tarique said only a government elected by the people could genuinely solve national problems.
“Do not be misled. Trust realistic commitments. BNP is the only party with the experience and a clear roadmap to govern the country effectively,” he said.
At the end of the event, Tarique formally handed over the sheaf of paddy electoral symbol to BNP-nominated Dhaka-4 candidate Tanvir Ahmed Robin.
Senior BNP leaders, including three-time former lawmaker Salahuddin Ahmed, prominent religious scholars, and party activists, were present at the rallies.
