Criticising each other will not satisfy the people's hunger: Tarique at Chattogram
Tarique told the massive crowd that no development plan can be implemented without controlling corruption and that has deprived the people of Bangladesh of their just rights in the past years.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said that criticising rival political parties will not satisfy the people.
"As a political party, we can talk a lot about our rival parties, whoever they are, while standing at an election rally. We can point out their faults and shortcomings.
"But will that benefit the people?" he asked, adding, "We only criticise for the sake of criticising, it will not benefit the common people of this country, it will not satisfy their hunger."
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Speaking at Chattogram's Polo Ground, where thousands of party leaders and supporters had gathered since this morning (25 January), Tarique said people want safety, access to treatment and the restoration of democratic rights.
He said the people of Bangladesh are demanding change.
The rally marked the start of his scheduled programmes in the port city and formed part of the BNP's nationwide election campaign ahead of the upcoming general election.
At the outset, taking the microphone and speaking in Chattogram's regional dialect, Tarique asked the crowd, "Onera kyan achhen?" (How are you all?), marking his return to a rally stage in the port city after more than two decades.
This is Chattogram, the sacred land from which Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971. This is the same sacred land where Ziaur Rahman was martyred, and where Khaleda Zia was honoured with her 'Deshnetri' title. My family and I share a deep emotional bond with Chattogram.
Leaders and activists gathered in front of the stage responded enthusiastically, "Bhala achhi" (We are well), sparking cheers across the rally venue.
Addressing the gathering, Tarique outlined various plans he said will be implemented if the party forms government.
The BNP chief said, "This is Chattogram, the sacred land from which Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971. This is the same sacred land where President Ziaur Rahman was martyred, and where Khaleda Zia was honoured with her 'Deshnetri' title. My family and I share a deep emotional bond with Chattogram."
Previously, at around 12:22pm, the rally venue vibrated with thunderous slogans upon his arrival.
Before ascending the stage, Tarique exchanged greetings with the family members of party activists who were victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
'No corrupt will be spared'
Tarique told the massive crowd that no development plan can be implemented without controlling corruption and that has deprived the people of Bangladesh of their just rights in the past years.
Therefore, if BNP is able to form a government, strict action will be taken against corruption and no corrupt person will be spared - whoever he may be.
No matter how many plans are taken, the biggest obstacle in the way of their implementation is corruption. If corruption cannot be controlled, no plan will be successful.
Hence, he mentioned combating corruption as a main commitment.
He said, past BNP governments have proven in the past that they are capable of taking effective measures against corruption. After the Khaleda Zia government took office in 2001, efforts were made to gradually bring the country out of the grip of corruption.
Stating that the people of the country want a safe and stable environment, where they can move, trade and earn a living without any hindrance, Tarique Rahman said, the people not only want security, but also an environment where their children can study safely and prepare for the future.
He also said that his party does not want to promise only to increase the number of hospital beds. Rather, it wants to directly reach the people, women and children of the remote areas of the country.
For this purpose, there is a plan to appoint one lakh healthcare workers. Who will provide primary medical services door-to-door.
Referring to women as half of the country's total population, Tarique Rahman said that the desired development is not possible if this large population cannot be made economically self-sufficient.
Regarding farmers, he said that the main lifeblood of the country is farmers. If the farmers are good, Bangladesh will be good.
"It is important to increase agricultural production to control the increase in food prices. For this reason, if the BNP forms a government, there is a plan to distribute 'farmer cards' to all farmers in the country in phases.
Highlighting the waterlogging and flood problems in different regions of the country, including Chattogram, Tarique said that this crisis has arisen due to the blockage of canals, bilges and rivers.
"A countrywide canal-digging programme will be launched."
Earlier, a procession began at 11:40am as Tarique departed from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Chattogram Bay View on a red-and-green bus.
Throughout the journey to the Polo Ground venue, party leaders, activists and supporters lined both sides of the streets, chanting slogans. Tarique acknowledged the crowd by waving from inside the bus.
The vehicle was accompanied by party security, protocol vehicles and a law enforcement motorcade. The bus moved at a slow pace due to the massive presence of supporters along the route.
Chattogram witnessed large-scale processions this morning, as thousands of leaders and activists gathered at the historic Polo Ground field in the city ahead of the BNP rally.
The main rally at Polo Ground was officially scheduled to begin at 11:30am, although crowds had started assembling from dawn.
From early morning, supporters from Chattogram, Cox's Bazar and the three hill districts began arriving at the venue, with the field filling up well before the scheduled start of the programme.
Processions were seen across the port city, with activists carrying national and party flags alongside the sheaf of paddy symbol.
Party leaders and activists described the gathering as a significant moment after a gap of nearly two decades, seeing it as an opportunity to revive organisational activities in the region.
Earlier this morning, Tarique attended a programme titled "The Plan" at a hotel in the city. The event, described as a 'Youth Policy Talk', involved an exchange of views with young participants from Chattogram on issues related to the future direction of the country.
The rally at Polo Ground was presided over by Chattogram city BNP Convener Ershad Ullah.
The enthusiasm seen across the city since his arrival in Chattogram yesterday evening (24 January) was reflected in the turnout at the rally venue.
After the programme, Tarique is scheduled to travel to Dhaka by road and take part in further election rallies in Feni, Cumilla and Narayanganj along the way.
The Chittagong Metropolitan Police said a three-tier security arrangement had been put in place around the stage and the surrounding area.
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Media) Aminur Rashid said around 2,500 to 3,000 members of law enforcement agencies have been deployed in and around the assembly area.
