Tarique pledges strict law enforcement, zero tolerance to curb extortion
On urban development, Tarique highlighted initiatives to resolve waterlogging in major cities, including Chattogram and Dhaka, through dredging 20,000km of canals nationwide.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman pledged this morning (25 January) to tackle the country's extortion problem through strict law enforcement and a zero-tolerance policy, if his party comes to power.
Speaking at "Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman" at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Chattogram Bay View, organised by the BNP, he said, "If we form a government and send a firm message that such acts will not be tolerated, this problem could be reduced by 20–30%."
Tarique explained that extortion involves both professional criminals and individuals driven by unemployment.
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He stressed that addressing law and order, providing public security, and curbing corruption are essential to tackling the issue effectively.
The BNP chairman also discussed plans to support small entrepreneurs by easing access to capital and loans, as well as introducing student loans to facilitate overseas education.
He reaffirmed the party's commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for ethnic minority communities and youth, based on merit rather than geographic or social background.
On urban development, Tarique highlighted initiatives to resolve waterlogging in major cities, including Chattogram and Dhaka, through dredging 20,000km of canals nationwide.
He said this would be carried out alongside measures to protect the environment and control pollution.
The event, attended by around 340 students from 50 educational institutions, included a direct question-and-answer session, where Tarique addressed concerns ranging from law enforcement and corruption to youth empowerment and regional development.
