Tarique Rahman pledges to construct Padma Barrage

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to construct a Padma Barrage to counter India’s Farakka Barrage if his party wins the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and forms the government.

He also stated that measures would be taken to ensure adequate water flow in the country’s other rivers.

Speaking as the chief guest at BNP’s election rally at Historic Madrasa Maidan in Rajshahi on Thursday afternoon, Tarique Rahman said,
"Is there water in the Padma River? There is none. Despite a large population, there is no employment. We want to implement the Barendra Project in the Barendra region, dredge canals and beels, and excavate the Padma River. We want to initiate the construction of the Padma Barrage."

He stated, "We want to build cold storage for mangoes, activate IT parks, and establish vocational institutes. Educating alone is not enough; we want to make people self-reliant. For this, every family will receive a family card. A specialized hospital will be built in Rajshahi."

Regarding agriculture and industry, he added, "We want to develop agro-based industrialization. Special support will be provided to build mills and factories. Farmers will be given agriculture cards, and agricultural loans up to 10,000 taka will be waived with interest."

On maintaining peace, Tarique Rahman said, "We believe in peace. With peace, we can work for the people. We do not want to engage in quarrels, riots, or controversies. Criticism will not fill anyone’s stomach or solve employment or loan issues."

He also called on the interim government to ensure proper investigations, saying, "If any undesirable incidents occur, conduct fair and proper investigations. If BNP has any role, we will cooperate, but justice must follow the law with proper investigation."

He said, "In the past, people were unable to cast their votes. Even now, some groups are secretly plotting to undermine the election. Everyone present here—thousands of people—must stay vigilant to ensure no one can sabotage the vote. If people remain alert on the 12th, from the 13th, it will be the people's day."

For BNP’s election campaign, Tarique Rahman visited Rajshahi today for the first time in two decades. He arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport shortly after noon and visited the Shah Makhdum (RA) shrine before joining a rally at the Historic Madrasa Maidan around 1:30pm.

The rally was chaired by Mamnur Rashid Mamun, president of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, with Mahfuzur Rahman Riton serving as the master of ceremonies. Speeches were delivered by Syed Shaheen Shawkat, BNP’s divisional organizational secretary, along with other central and local leaders.

After the rally, Tarique Rahman introduced BNP candidates for Rajshahi, Natore, and Chapainawabganj under the 'Dhaner Shish' symbol and urged supporters to ensure their victory.