Public rally in home constituency: Tarique Rahman promises rehabilitation, jobs and security

BNP chairperson Tarique Rahman sought votes by holding a public rally in his home constituency, pledging rehabilitation, employment opportunities, security and overall development for local residents.

He addressed the rally on Friday night at BRB Ground in Bhashantek, Dhaka, on the second day of campaigning for the 13th parliamentary election. Tarique Rahman is contesting the February 12 election as the sheaf of paddy candidate in the Dhaka-17 constituency, which includes the Bhashantek area.

Speaking at the rally, he said he was a son of the area and had grown up there, adding that he wanted to take responsibility for the sufferings, expectations and problems of local people. If given the opportunity, he said, he would resolve these problems, Inshallah.

From the afternoon, thousands of BNP leaders, activists and supporters gathered at the venue from Bhashantek and surrounding areas. When Tarique Rahman took the stage around 6:30 pm, he was welcomed with applause and slogans.

At the start of his speech, he invited several people from the audience to share their experiences. A rickshaw puller from Bhashantek, Md Jewel, said lack of housing was their biggest problem and demanded rehabilitation. Private university student Hena Akhter said that while the cantonment area was well planned, Bhashantek remained underdeveloped and needed urgent improvement. A slum dweller named Lily demanded rehabilitation and family cards, while another woman, Shanta, said there were no employment opportunities for women.

Responding to these issues, Tarique Rahman said rehabilitation, family cards and employment would be prioritised if BNP formed the government.

Referring to past movements, he said that after the fall of authoritarianism, the time had come to rebuild every sector of the country, a task that could only be undertaken by a government elected by the people. He claimed that whenever people voted for the sheaf of paddy, the country had progressed, and urged voters to support him as a son of the area.

He alleged that various sectors had been destroyed during the 15–16 years of Awami League rule and said that after the political change on August 5, 2024, people wanted positive change, where problems would be solved, security strengthened, youth employment created and students given fair opportunities.

Highlighting democracy and accountability, he said problems could not be solved without a government elected by the people and stressed the need to establish accountability from parliament to union councils. He also spoke of restoring a political culture where elected representatives act as servants of the people.

Tarique Rahman also outlined plans for youth skill development, vocational training and sending skilled workers abroad, alongside major reforms in sports so that young people could pursue professional sporting careers.

He further announced plans to introduce family cards for women and agriculture cards for farmers, through which social security, agricultural loans, crop insurance and access to fertiliser and seeds would be ensured.