BNP must earn people’s trust to lead: Tarique
Tarique called upon all pro-BNP forces to reach out to people with BNP’s programmes and vision

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today (4 August) urged his party leaders and activists, including those from Jubo Dal, to uphold public trust and confidence to emerge as true leaders.
"Uphold the trust of people. Remember, if people accept you, you're a leader. If they reject you, you are not," he said while virtually addressing a discussion arranged by Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, the youth wing of BNP, in the capital.
The discussion, titled 'Anti-Fascist Movement and My Unspoken Words', was held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB), marking the anniversary of the 2024 July-August Mass Uprising.
Tarique called upon all pro-BNP forces, regardless of whether they belong to Jubo Dal, Chhatra Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, or the party's lawyers' forum, to reach out to people with BNP's programmes and vision.
"All our political programmes are designed for the welfare of the general people….. if you believe in the ideology of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and have accepted Khaleda Zia as your leader, it's your responsibility to raise these visions before the people because the public verdict matters most," he said.
"We need the support of people. We need the cooperation of the people to implement these plans designed for the people," said the BNP leader.
Focusing on the role of Jubo Dal during anti-fascist movement, Tarique said even amid brutal crackdowns by the fascist regime, Jubo Dal did not back off or leave the streets. "As many as 78 leaders and activists of Jubo Dal sacrificed their lives alone during the July-August Mass Uprising."
"It was possible because people stood by you, because they trusted you. So, keep up this public trust in you," he said.
Outlining his party's future plans, Tarique pledged initiatives in employment, healthcare and environmental sustainability, if BNP is elected to power.
He said international language courses would be introduced for unemployed youth and school students to enhance prospects for overseas employment.
Primary healthcare services would be ensured, with a plan to employ 80 pc of primary healthcare workers from women, he added.
"If elected, our goal is to plant around 30 to 32 crore trees over the next five years," said Tarique Rahman.
A video documentary highlighting the 2024 mass uprising and anti-government movements during the Sheikh Hasina regime was also screened at the event,
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and its standing committee member Mirza Abbas, among others, spoke at the event presided over by Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna.