Conspiracies continue to undermine Bangladesh's democracy: Tarique Rahman

BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today (8 December) warned that numerous conspiracies are underway to disrupt the country's democratic system.

"There is no alternative to democracy. We protested against dictatorship because there was no accountability. Only democracy can ensure accountability in society, the country, and the state," he said while speaking virtually at a view-sharing meeting titled 'Plan to Build Bangladesh' at the Khamarbari Krishibid Institute auditorium.

Tarique urged the leaders and activists of Chhatra Dal to communicate to the public, in simple language, the BNP's plans if it returns to power.

Referring to the July–August mass uprising, he said the real masterminds of the 5 August movement were the people themselves, including housewives, small grocery shopkeepers, rickshaw pullers, van drivers, CNG drivers, bus helpers, students from schools, colleges, madrasas and universities, and even the children. 

He added that 63 children lost their lives during the movement.

Emphasising the importance of government accountability, Tarique Rahman said that meaningful change can only begin when those in power are held responsible.

"For the last 16 years, one side has claimed, 'I am good and all others are bad.' Sadly, even after the mass uprising, that mindset remains. It must change. In a multi-party democracy, people have the right to express differing opinions. The notion that 'one is good and all the rest are bad' is unacceptable and poses a threat to democracy," he said.

Addressing the youth, he added, "If you step forward, this country can survive. If not, terrible consequences await."

He congratulated the students, leaders, and activists of Chhatra Dal for sacrificing the prime years of their lives in the struggle against tyranny.

Women empowerment

The BNP leader stated that a country can never move forward by excluding its women.

He said, "Half of Bangladesh's population is female…We refer them as mothers or sisters…If we exclude these women, we can never take the country forward. For this reason, women must be empowered. They must be gradually developed to become self-reliant."

About the 'Family Card,' a key election pledge of the BNP, he said, "We want to empower women through the Family Card. Research shows that when a mother receives financial support, she first invests in the family's health, then her children's education, and finally in small income-generating initiatives. We will first aim to deliver this card to 50 lakh families. This will gradually lead a family towards financial self-reliance."

'Krishak Card' to empower farmers

Announcing the 'Krishak Card' for the agricultural sector, Tarique Rahman said, "We will provide various benefits and training to marginal, small, and medium farmers through this card."

He said the goal is to strengthen the economic backbone of the farmer. 

"We will create a pathway for them to advance from marginal to small, and from small to medium-sized farmers," he added.

Education reform: one teacher, one tablet

Outlining his party's educational plans, Tarique said, "Our focus will be on primary education. We want to launch a 'One Teacher-One Tablet' programme for primary school teachers, which they will use for training and teaching students."

He went on to say, "We must instill habits of reading, morality, and patriotism in our children."

Job creation for youth beyond factories

Emphasising youth employment, he said, "Our goal is not just to create jobs in garments or factories. We will generate employment for millions of young men and women through sports, IT, content creation, language training, and technical skill development."

He also stated that they will pave the way for content creators to increase their income by introducing international platforms like PayPal.

The BNP leader also mentioned a national plan to enhance productivity across professions, including rickshaw pullers, by equipping them with new skills.