Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday pledged to take immediate and coordinated action to restore the capital’s historic Buriganga River, vowing to transform it into a clean, vibrant and environmentally sustainable waterway if his party forms the next government.
Addressing a large election rally at Dhupkhola Field in Dhaka-6 constituency, Tarique Rahman expressed deep concern over the river’s severe pollution, describing it as an environmental disaster and a symbol of long-standing neglect.
“Once a source of pride and emotion for the people of Dhaka, the Buriganga today stands on the brink of ecological collapse. If BNP is elected to power, we will undertake urgent and comprehensive measures to revive this river and restore its natural beauty and vitality,” he said.
Outlining his party's development agenda for Dhaka-6, Tarique Rahman announced plans to increase the number of beds and medical facilities at government hospitals to ensure easier access to healthcare for local residents. He also pledged to establish area-based industries, along with technical and IT institutes, to expand employment opportunities for young people.
“Our priority will be to create sustainable jobs through industrial expansion and skills development so that local youth can secure dignified employment,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said the upcoming national election marked a historic moment, as citizens would be able to vote freely after more than 16 years.
“During this long period, people were deprived of their voting rights and democratic freedoms. Many sacrificed their lives, endured enforced disappearances, and faced false cases in the struggle to reclaim these rights,” he said.
Referring to the mass uprising of students and citizens on August 5, 2024, he said it ultimately forced authoritarian rule to collapse, paving the way for democratic restoration.
At the rally, Tarique Rahman formally handed over the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, to party candidate Ishraq Hossain.
“Ishraq Hossain is not just a candidate; he is a son of this soil. His late father, Sadeque Hossain Khoka, devoted his life to serving the people of this area. Inshallah, Ishraq will follow in his footsteps and work tirelessly to address local problems,” he said.
Highlighting BNP’s past initiatives, Tarique Rahman recalled that the government led by Begum Khaleda Zia had introduced free education for girls at the secondary level. He announced plans to extend free education for female students up to the university level.
He also unveiled a “Family Card” programme aimed at supporting women from poor and working-class families, ensuring direct government assistance to improve household financial security.
For the agricultural sector, Tarique Rahman pledged to introduce agriculture cards for farmers and announced plans to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 to ease financial pressure and boost productivity.
“Nation-building requires more than casting a vote. It demands choosing the right leadership and the right political platform,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said BNP is the only political party with proven experience in governing the country and a clear roadmap for development.
“Under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia, BNP rescued Bangladesh from famine and corruption and set it on a path of development,” he said.
He stressed that combating corruption and restoring law and order would be among the top priorities of a BNP government.
“The election on February 12 is not merely about choosing representatives; it is about choosing the future of Bangladesh,” he said, urging voters to participate responsibly and decisively.
Senior BNP leaders, party activists, and supporters attended the rally, which marked a major campaign event in the capital ahead of the national polls.
