Every girl’s right to dream must be respected: Tarique Rahman

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called on everyone to respect every girl’s right to dream, to learn, to lead, and to live with dignity.

In a Facebook post on Saturday, October 11, marking International Day of the Girl Child, he wrote that BNP envisions a Bangladesh where every girl enjoys freedom, opportunity, and security—just as her parents wish for her.

“As a father of a daughter, I know women’s empowerment is not just policy—it is deeply personal,” Tarique wrote.

He said that the BNP government had worked to improve people’s lives in the past and would take greater steps in the future to promote women’s development and empowerment if given the opportunity.

Recalling President Ziaur Rahman’s leadership in developing the country’s garment sector, Tarique said the industry had created employment for millions of women, giving them income, dignity, and independence. He also noted that Ziaur Rahman had established the Ministry of Women Affairs to advance women’s development.

Tarique mentioned Khaleda Zia’s contribution to ensuring that girls’ education is not a privilege but a basic right. He wrote, “Education for girls was made free up to the 10th grade. The ‘Food for Education’ and stipend programmes helped millions of girls stay in school. It changed not only their lives but also the future of their families.”

He added that under the BNP government, the “Female Secondary School Assistance Project” achieved gender parity in secondary education for the first time in Bangladesh, significantly reducing child marriage. The model was later adopted by other developing countries as an example of girls’ education and empowerment.

Tarique said the BNP, if elected, would take more effective steps to enhance education, safety, and opportunities for women and girls.