Future politics will focus on public welfare, not just slogans: Tarique Rahman

BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman has said the party wants to work directly for the people alongside reforms to rebuild the country, adding that future politics will not be confined to slogans, rallies or blame games but will be devoted to public welfare.

He made the remarks on Monday, January 19, while joining virtually a ceremony to hand over a newly promised house to Afia, a child from Jashore suffering from albinism.

Tarique Rahman said rural communities would be strengthened through family cards and farmer cards. He added that canal excavation programmes would be resumed to address water shortages and that BNP would work to ensure healthcare services at the grassroots level. He said 100,000 health workers would be recruited nationwide so people can receive basic medical care at home.

He further said that if BNP forms the government through a public mandate, effective steps will be taken to make educated women economically self-reliant. He also announced plans to bring neglected mosque imams, khatibs and other religious leaders under an honourarium scheme.

The event was chaired by Dr Abdul Aziz, convener of Ramnagar Union BNP in Jashore Sadar upazila. BNP vice-chairperson Professor Nargis Begum, Khulna divisional organising secretary Anindya Islam Amit, Jashore district BNP president Advocate Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, general secretary Delwar Hossain Khokon and other party leaders were present.

Afia’s mother, Monira Khatun, became emotional after receiving the new house and expressed gratitude to BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman and all those involved. Local residents and grassroots BNP leaders also expressed satisfaction.

Monira Khatun married Mozzafar Hossain of Baulia Chandpara village in Jashore Sadar upazila in 2020. Their daughter Afia was born on November 13, 2022. Due to Afia’s albinism and fair complexion, her father rejected the child, later abandoning his wife and daughter, divorcing Monira after eight months and leaving the country. Following media reports on the family’s humanitarian crisis, Tarique Rahman pledged support.