‘Unity is the way to rebuild the state regardless of religion and caste’ – Tarique Rahman’s call in Narayanganj

If the state is to be rebuilt and repaired, there is no alternative to moving forward unitedly with people of all religions, said BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman. He said that Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists – people of all religions have been living peacefully in this country for thousands of years and this harmony must be maintained in the future as well.

He said these things at a huge election rally held at Panchrukhi Begum Anwara Degree College ground in Araihazar upazila of Narayanganj early on Friday (January 21). This rally was the last program of his election rally that started from Sylhet district, where the presence of a large number of leaders and activists and common people was noticeable.

At the rally, Tarique Rahman said that the people of the country are now waiting for a positive change. They want a safe state where everyone can live without any hindrance, do business and trade and move freely. Regarding the upcoming national elections, he said that in the last 15 years, people have not had the opportunity to vote in the real sense. The right to vote that has been restored through the movement, struggle and sacrifice of martyrs must be exercised responsibly on February 12.

Alleging a conspiracy before the election, the BNP chairman said that a special force and group are involved in planned mischief. National identity cards and mobile numbers are being collected from innocent mothers and sisters and there are also allegations of expatriate ballots being seized. He urged everyone to be alert and aware of these issues.

Tarique Rahman said that there is no fundamental difference between the last 15 years of late-night elections and vote theft and the current conspirators. Both sides are manifestations of the same mentality - one side wants to get votes strategically, while the other has taken votes by force. He advised to be especially careful about attempts to mislead women voters.

The top BNP leader assured that employment creation will be given top priority if he comes to power. He said that job opportunities will be created by setting up new industries for lakhs of unemployed youth. The economy will be strengthened through diversified industrialization rather than relying solely on the garment industry. In addition, high-income employment opportunities will be created through skill development training and special training for overseas workers.

Tarique Rahman also announced special programs for women and farmers. He said that a 'family card' will be introduced for poor and needy families so that they can become self-reliant by receiving state assistance. At the same time, he also highlighted the plan to provide fertilizer, seeds, pesticides, loans and insurance benefits to farmers by introducing a 'farmer card'.

Tarique Rahman also spoke about resuming the canal digging program to reduce waterlogging and increase agricultural production. According to him, on the one hand, farmers will benefit from the canal digging, and on the other hand, the problem of waterlogging will also be reduced to a large extent. At the end of his speech, he called on everyone to remain united in support of the candidates with the symbols of rice ears and date palm trees.

The public meeting was chaired by District BNP Convener Mamun Mahmud, and other speeches were delivered by Narayanganj-1 constituency candidate Mostafizur Rahman Bhuiyan Dipu, Narayanganj-2 constituency candidate Nazrul Islam Azad, Narayanganj-3 constituency candidate Azharul Islam Mannan, Narayanganj-4 alliance candidate Monir Hossain Qasemi, and central and local leaders of BNP and its affiliates.