BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said that ensuring the rule of law would be the first and foremost responsibility of whoever forms the next government.
“The first and foremost responsibility of those who will form the government in the future will be to ensure the rule of law. No other development activities can be effectively implemented unless the security of the people and the law and order situation are normalized,” he said.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing a discussion titled “Upcoming National Parliament Election and Public Expectations”, organized by the BNP. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the event.
Tarique Rahman said: “It is essential to change the culture of unfair advantages and corruption that has developed at various levels of society due to a long period of autocratic rule. It will become difficult to make correct decisions in state governance if the reins of corruption are not curbed. Correct decisions may not always be popular, but tough decisions must be taken when necessary for the sake of the country.”
He said the BNP is focusing on several key issues in its electoral manifesto by prioritizing the basic needs of the people. Detailed plans will be presented in the manifesto, with the main objectives being people’s security, education, health, employment, anti-corruption measures, and the rule of law.
Referring to Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion, Tarique Rahman said the daily suffering of city residents is wasting the nation’s time, labour and energy, adding that development will be hampered if the problem is not resolved.
He also drew attention to the growing safe water crisis in the capital, warning that a major crisis could emerge due to the continuous depletion of groundwater and pollution of river water.
On environmental pollution, he said the dumping of chemical waste underground in industrial areas is severely damaging soil and water, posing serious threats to public health and the environment. He cautioned that the situation would worsen if immediate action is not taken.
Addressing drug addiction among the youth, Tarique Rahman said the problem cannot be solved solely through punitive measures. He stressed the need to create opportunities for sports, cultural activities, and debates, adding that the BNP would take initiatives to provide such avenues if given the chance.
He further said women make up half of the population, and progress is impossible without their empowerment. He announced plans to introduce a “Family Card” scheme, noting that economically empowering women would benefit families, society and the country.
Educated and financially capable mothers play a vital role in family health, education and overall well-being, noted Tarique Rahman.
He also announced plans to introduce a “Krishak Card’ (Farmer’s Card) to provide long-term support to marginal and small farmers, enabling them to become self-reliant and strengthening the national economy.
On healthcare, Tarique Rahman said the BNP’s goal is not merely to build large hospitals, but to ensure fast and effective service delivery by coordinating existing public and private infrastructure. He unveiled plans to treat complex diseases such as cancer, kidney and heart diseases through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives.
He further said the BNP plans to recruit one lakh healthcare workers to strengthen preventive healthcare for marginalized communities. These workers would travel to villages to provide primary care and raise health awareness.
Regarding education, he said a quality education system is impossible without competent teachers. He announced initiatives to train primary school teachers using digital methods and emphasized instilling social values among future generations.
Tarique Rahman also highlighted employment opportunities in agriculture, health and technical sectors, noting that a significant number of healthcare recruits would be women. He further stressed the importance of language education and skills training to expand overseas employment opportunities.
