I have a plan – let us build a safe Bangladesh for all: Tarique Rahman
The BNP leader started his speech with the words, 'Beloved Bangladesh.'
After more than 17 years in exile abroad, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman attended a reception rally on 300 Feet Road in Purbachal, following a homecoming that saw thousands of emotional supporters and BNP activists lining the streets of Dhaka, starting his speech with the words, "Beloved Bangladesh."
'We want peace," the BNP leader emphasised, also saying he has a plan for the country and its people. "We will build a Bangladesh that every mother dreams of," Tarique pledged.
"We aspire to build a Bangladesh that serves as a sanctuary; a land where every mother can rest easy, knowing her children are safe within its embrace," he added.
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Tarique said the time has come for everyone to work together to build the country.
"We have people from the hills and the plains in this country – Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We want to build a safe Bangladesh, where every woman, man and child can leave home safely and return safely," he said.
Tarique further said, "Let us all take a pledge together that in the days ahead, whoever comes to take responsibility for running the country will make their utmost effort to govern the nation in the light of the justice and righteousness of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)."
On Hadi
Tarique also spoke of Inqilab Mancha leader Sharif Osman bin Hadi, saying he was martyred just a few days ago.
Hadi wanted the people of this country to regain their economic rights, Tarique noted, adding that in order to repay the debt of blood of those who were martyred in 1971 and those who were martyred in 2024, the people must build the Bangladesh they hoped for.
Stressing the role of the youth, Tarique said the young generation will build the country in the days ahead.
He emphasised the need to build the nation on a democratic system and a strong economic foundation, stating three times, "We want peace in the country."
'I have a plan'
Ringing similar to Martin Luther King Jr's famous speech "I have a dream," Tarique spread out his arms with an assurance, saying, "I have a plan."
"Today, standing upon this soil as a member of the BNP, I tell you: I have a plan, for the people of my country, for my country."
Saying that he has a plan to rebuild the country, he added that the cooperation of every individual is necessary to implement it.
On his ailing mother
At the same time, Tarique also sought prayers from everyone for the recovery of his mother, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
"She is a leader who has always loved her people and her country more than her own life.
"As her son, I ask for your prayers for her. And as her son, while I stand here with you, my heart remains bound to her side at the hospital bed."
"We will all work together to build our Bangladesh," he said, expressing his gratitude to the people.
The people of Bangladesh want to regain their right to speak, he said, adding, "They want to receive fair rights based on their merit. Today, the time has come for all of us to come together to build the nation."
"At any cost, we must ensure that people can remain safe."
His arrival
Tarique's convoy, led by a red-and-green bus bearing the slogan "Bangladesh First", arrived in the 300 Feet area earlier this afternoon (25 December).
Earlier, the BNP leader was spotted standing at the front of the bus, waving and smiling at people who had gathered from across the country to catch a glimpse of him. He is expected to join the rally and address the gathering very soon.
The Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying Tarique, his wife Zubaida Rahman, and daughter Zaima Rahman landed at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) at 11:40am today after a brief stopover in Sylhet.
The 300 Feet Road area has been transformed into a massive gathering point since yesterday. A 48ft by 36ft stage has been erected on the service lane of the road, also known as the July 36 Expressway, where Tarique is scheduled to deliver a brief address.
Security remains tight, with members of the army, BGB, and police deployed along the route.
Despite the heavy security, crowds have surged, chanting slogans like "The leader is coming" and "Tarique Rahman is the soul of Bangladesh."
Following the brief address in Purbachal, Tarique is expected to proceed directly to Evercare Hospital to visit his ailing mother, former prime minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
He will later head to his residence in Gulshan, a house he left behind nearly two decades ago.
