Law and order, corruption high on BNP agenda: Tarique meets young minds at Shahabuddin Park
The BNP chief's daughter Zaima Rahman, who recently took part in programmes on national policymaking reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the younger generation, attended the event with him.
Law and order and corruption would be the two top priorities if his party forms the next government, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said at an interactive session with young people at Gulshan today (24 January).
"Addressing these issues would help solve many other national challenges," he said while interacting with the winners of a national reel-making competition titled "Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh".
"Our first priority is to ensure law and order. People have said it, and you have said it too that everyone must feel safe on the streets. We have to make sure of that," he said.
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The BNP chairman said corruption must also be addressed in every possible way. "There are different types of corruption at different levels. We have to deal with it in whatever form it exists. If we can properly address these two issues (law and order and corruption) many other problems will be solved to a large extent. This is my plan," he said.
The interaction was held at an open space in Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park. Tarique spoke with 10 winners of the national reel-making competition. His daughter, Zaima Rahman, was also present.
During the session, the winners asked him various questions, and he responded in an open and friendly manner. On the issue of BNP's proposed Family Card, Tarique said the support would be universal, rather than limited to narrow categories.
Replying to a question, he said single mothers, including women whose husbands had left them or widows, will be brought under the proposed Family Card facility.
The BNP chief said the government currently runs around 138 social safety net programmes under different ministries and departments, but these are poorly coordinated, leading to misuse of resources.
Tarique kicks off 2nd campaign in Ctg
Later, Tarique departed for Chattogram for the second phase of his election campaign. In this phase, he will introduce party candidates to voters across 57 constituencies in 11 districts.
He will take part in a "Youth Policy Talk" today at 9:30am, addressing BNP policies on education, employment, agriculture, health, women's empowerment, and environmental issues.
He will then join an election rally at Chattogram Polo Ground, attended by leaders and activists from Cox's Bazar, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban, along with local residents.
Chattogram is abuzz with excitement ahead of his visit. The last BNP address at Polo Ground was delivered by the late chairperson Khaleda Zia in January 2012, and Tarique's visit marks his first to the city since May 2005. A 100-foot-long, 60-foot-wide stage has been set up, with security at the front, followed by areas for women and media, and general attendees behind.
After Chattogram, he will hold rallies at Feni Pilot School Field, Chouddagram High School, Swagazi Playground, Daudkandi Central Eidgah, and Kanchpur Balur Math in Narayanganj before returning to Dhaka. Leaders from Lakshmipur, Chandpur, and Noakhali will join at various locations.
BNP election committee spokesperson Mahadi Amin said veteran BNP leaders and allied organisation representatives will accompany Tarique throughout the tour.
BNP media cell member Shayrul Kabir Khan added that Tarique's campaign targets youth engagement, reviving a tradition established by Ziaur Rahman nearly 50 years ago.
