Corruption will be curbed: Tarique Rahman

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Sunday (January 25) pledged strict enforcement of law and order and a hardline stance against corruption if the party forms the next government.

Addressing a BNP rally at the Polo Ground in Chattogram as chief guest, Tarique Rahman said maintaining public security and curbing corruption would be top priorities. “If the people stand by us, we will not allow any deterioration in law and order so that ordinary working people can earn their livelihoods without fear,” he said.

He argued that no development plan can succeed without a stable security environment. “No matter how ambitious our development plans are, they cannot be implemented if law and order are not under control. To realise our plans, we must focus firmly on two issues—public safety and corruption,” he said, adding that people have been deprived of their rightful dues in recent years due to failures in these areas.

Citing BNP’s past record in governance, he said ensuring safe movement for citizens and a conducive environment for business and employment would be the party’s core agenda. “There can be no development without security,” he said.

Taking a firm stance on corruption, BNP Chairman said the law would apply equally to all offenders, regardless of identity or position. “Whoever commits corruption is a criminal in the eyes of the law. There will be no leniency,” he said. “I state clearly before millions today—anyone who disrupts law and order or obstructs our plans through corruption will not be spared.”

The rally was chaired by city BNP convener Ershad Ullah and moderated by member secretary Nazimur Rahman. Senior party leaders, including standing committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Salahuddin Ahmed, vice-chairman Mir Mohammad Nasiruddin, Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Shahadat Hossain, Jubo Dal president Monayem Munna, and other central and local leaders, also addressed the gathering.