Not just Bogura, whole country deprived under past rule, says Tarique, promises nationwide balanced growth
'If my wife had not supported me as I hold rallies late at night and do politics, I could not have done this. I have been able to continue because she has stood by me,' says BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
Not only Bogura but the entire country was deprived for more than 15 years, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said, promising balanced development across Bangladesh if his party comes to power.
Speaking in the early hours of today (30 January) at an election rally at the Altafunnessa ground in Bogura city, Tarique assured fulfilment of the people's demands but cautioned that care must be taken so that, in seeking Bogura's rightful share, the legitimate rights of others are not undermined.
Earlier, yesterday, the BNP chief travelled from a public meeting in Naogaon to Bogura, arriving just before midnight. Hundreds of thousands of people had welcomed him along the Naogaon-Bogura road and at various points, while slogans echoed across the rally ground and surrounding areas upon his arrival.
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We must think about the whole of Bangladesh and ensure nationwide development.
At the Bogura rally, Tarique recalled development initiatives undertaken in the district between 2001 and 2006, when the BNP was in power.
"We did as much as we could within the laws and rules of the government. Bogura was like a model district to me. I thought about how to develop the remaining 63 districts."
However, he said, focusing only on Bogura is not enough as "we must think about the whole of Bangladesh and ensure nationwide development."
He alleged that over more than 15 years, mega corruption was carried out in the name of mega projects, leaving the entire country deprived. "For 15 years, not only Bogura but the entire country was deprived."
Describing the current circumstances as different from how Bogura's people experienced him between 2001 and 2006, Tarique said this time Bogura must provide leadership to the country and that people should not think only about themselves.
Becoming emotional during his speech, he said, "At this moment, I have nothing to give you; I only have something to ask of you. My family – if my wife had not supported me as I hold rallies late at night and do politics, I could not have done this. I have been able to continue because she [Zubaida Rahman] has stood by me."
Remembering the late former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, Tarique said the Bogura-6 seat once belonged to his mother and that he is contesting the upcoming election from this constituency.
He added that if the BNP comes to power, balanced development will be ensured nationwide.
Zubaida accompanied Tarique during his northern Bangladesh tour, with the couple seen together on the campaign vehicle and at the rally stage.
Acknowledging his wife's support, he said if the people of Bogura stand by him and provide moral strength and support, then "inshallah [God willing], we can take Bangladesh to a better and stronger position in the days ahead."
At the end of his speech, Tarique introduced the candidates for the remaining six seats in Bogura, handing them the BNP's electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, and calling on voters to ensure their victory. He also sought votes from Bogura residents for himself in the Bogura-6 (Bogura Sadar upazila) constituency.
