Tarique pledges jobs, training and social support at Moulvibazar rally
He stressed that the BNP’s focus goes beyond merely creating jobs to improving earning capacity, particularly for those seeking work overseas.
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today (22 January) laid out a series of economic and social proposals, including job creation, overseas skills training, family support cards and stipends for religious leaders, as he addressed a public rally in Sylhet's Sherpur area under Moulvibazar sadar upazila.
The rally marked Tarique's return to Bangladesh in 17 years and was part of the BNP's ongoing campaign efforts ahead of the national elections.
Youth employment at the centre
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Speaking to the crowd, Tarique said employment generation for young people lies at the heart of his plan.
"When I returned after 17 years abroad, I told you I have a plan. Part of that plan is to create jobs for unemployed youth, whether educated, semi-educated, or less educated, so they can stand on their own feet on a strong foundation," he said.
He stressed that the BNP's focus goes beyond merely creating jobs to improving earning capacity, particularly for those seeking work overseas.
"For the young generation, we do not just want to create jobs; we want to make them economically capable," Tarique said.
He went on to say, "If you go to London, the Middle East, or any other country, we will provide training and teach you the language so you can secure employment quickly. Without skills, earnings are low, but with training, income rises. We want to make that arrangement for the people of this country."
Family cards and support for workers
Tarique also addressed the hardships faced by tea workers in the Sylhet region, particularly women, whose wages he said are insufficient to sustain their families.
Referring to an estimated 130 tea estates in the area, he said the BNP plans to introduce family cards to provide food support or cash assistance.
"We want to give family cards to families, especially women, so they can run their households with dignity," he said. "The scheme will not be limited to tea workers; day labourers' wives and farmers' wives will also receive the family cards."
Alongside agricultural support for farmers, Tarique said his party aims to extend family cards to households nationwide, though he did not specify the funding or implementation details.
Stipends for religious leaders
Tarique also announced plans to provide government stipends for imams, khatibs, and muezzins serving in mosques and madrasas across the country.
"These individuals stand with us in sorrow and in joy, in life and even at the time of death," he said. "We want the government to provide stipends so that imams, khatibs, and muezzins can live with dignity and self-respect."
He added that the BNP aims to support farmers, women, and youth alongside religious leaders, whom he described as integral members of the community.
