Tarique outlines major plans, including Teesta Barrage for Dinajpur-Rangpur
The BNP chairman also announced that the party would forgive agricultural loans up to Tk10,000, including interest, for farmers.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (7 February) laid out a series of development plans, including a major Teesta Barrage project, aimed at easing the difficulties of people in the greater Dinajpur-Rangpur region.
He spoke as the chief guest at an election rally held at Birampur Government College field in Dinajpur, his grandmother's hometown, reports Prothom Alo.
Tarique said a BNP government would focus on building a safe and merit-based Bangladesh. "We want a Bangladesh where our mothers and sisters can move freely at night, where our brothers can live safely, work, and sleep without fear. Whether Muslim, indigenous, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian, our identity will be based on talent and merit."
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He outlined several initiatives his party would implement if elected, including monthly government stipends for mosque imams, khatibs, and religious leaders of other faiths; the appointment of 1,00,000 healthcare workers across the country for women and children; computer and skills training for teachers; and foreign language education for youth to enhance employment opportunities both domestically and abroad.
Tarique also promised to promote agricultural industries in Dinajpur.
Highlighting the region's famous lychee, he said a BNP government would work to process and store the fruit properly for export. Similarly, he mentioned efforts to expand global markets for the area's renowned "Kataribhog" rice.
The BNP chairman also announced that the party would forgive agricultural loans up to Tk10,000, including interest, for farmers. "Just as we want to provide family cards to mothers and sisters, delivering a fixed monthly allowance to help them become economically self-reliant, we also want to provide farmers with a 'Farmer Card' to facilitate access to loans," he added.
During the rally, Tarique Rahman introduced BNP candidates for four constituencies, including Abu Zafar Md Zahid Hossain, the party's nominee for Dinajpur-6, urging attendees to vote for them and pray for their success.
Upon taking the stage, Tarique Rahman greeted the crowd, saying, "How are you all? I am visiting my grandmother's place after many years. Your grandson has come, so there is one thing I must get – your vote. And what will you vote for? The 'sheaf of paddy' symbol."
The audience responded with raised hands in approval.
