Tarique reaffirms BNP's commitment to food security, farmers' dignity

BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today (16 October) reaffirmed his party's commitment to ensuring food security and protecting the dignity of farmers.

In a post on his Facebook page on the occasion of World Food Day, he said Bangladesh's farmers are the backbone of the nation and deserve to be equal partners in the country's progress.

"On World Food Day, we renew our solemn commitment to the people who feed our nation – our farmers," Tarique said.

He said Bangladesh was built with their hands, nourished by their sacrifice, and strengthened by their resilience.

"From the fertile fields of Bogura to the 'floating gardens' of Barishal, every grain carries the story of their endurance and our collective future," the BNP leader observed.

He said BNP believes that true food security is built through the partnership between government, farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities, working hand in hand to build a sustainable food system.

The BNP leader recalled that President Ziaur Rahman came to leadership in the shadow of famine and despair. "He knew that national independence meant little without food security. Under his leadership, Bangladesh began its journey from dependence to dignity, expanding irrigation, canal restoration, and multiple cropping to feed a nation that once knew famine."

He also mentioned that former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia carried that legacy forward into a new generation.

Tarique said the farmers in the country were empowered through fertiliser subsidies, rural electrification, and 'Food-for-Work' programmes that revitalised the countryside and ensured no family was left hungry. 

"This is the foundation on which we now stand. Today, as Bangladesh faces rising food prices, water stress, and climate threats, we must continue to build on that foundation, not only for our own people but for all who seek safety and sustenance within our borders," he observed.

The BNP leader said Bangladesh is sheltering over 1.15 million Rohingya refugees in the largest refugee camp in the world, where shrinking international aid has left families surviving on barely six dollars of food support per month.

He said BNP believes urgent, collective action is needed from governments, international agencies, donor nations, and private partners to restore food assistance and strengthen livelihoods as the world seeks to reaffirm its commitment to solving the crisis collectively.

"This stark reality reminds us of the growing food insecurity happening around the world, whether it is in Gaza, Sudan, Yemen, or at our very own doorsteps. In Bangladesh, our vision for food and farming must be as humane as it is innovative," Tarique said.

With new tools, technology, and resolve, he said the BNP envisions a food system that is built on partnership. 

"Our model for food security honours the farmer, embraces innovation, and demands global responsibility, proving that a just and nourished Bangladesh can lead by example in a world facing hunger and uncertainty," the BNP leader said.
Outlining BNP's vision for a fair and sustainable food system, Tarique shared the party's various plans for the development of the agricultural sector and the welfare of people.

He said his party plans to introduce a 'Farmers' Card Initiative' to ensure direct access to subsidies, credit and government support without middlemen.

"Every farmer will receive a secure digital identity, ensuring direct access to subsidies, fair pricing, credit, crop insurance, and government procurement without middlemen. This will end exploitation and make farmers equal partners in the national economy," the BNP leader said.

About the BNP's plan for climate-resilient agriculture and water security, he said, "We aim to restore 20,000 km of rivers and canals, reintroduce community irrigation systems, and build modern Teesta and Ganga barrages to safeguard our water flows."

The BNP leader also focused on water-efficient rice farming. "We commit to expanding 'Alternate Wetting and Drying' rice farming, which will reduce emissions, conserve water, and earn Bangladesh millions in carbon credits."

Tarique also said BNP will promote nutrition and women's empowerment through family cards and healthcare programmes.
"Through the 'Family Card' and 'Health for All' programmes, women, recognised as heads of households, will be empowered as leaders of food and nutrition security, strengthening their economic participation and family well-being," he said.

The BNP leader also envisioned creating over 1.3 million new jobs in agriculture and food processing as part of the party's plan for economic empowerment through agriculture.

"Our initiatives will work to create 1.3 million new jobs in agriculture and processing, ranging from cold storage logistics to export-oriented food industries, connecting our farmers to markets at home and abroad. We will also reduce food loss through modern grain and cold storage facilities, ensuring farmers earn more and consumers waste less," he said.

Tarique said they will support youth in agricultural entrepreneurship through mechanisation, drone technology, and start-up funding, bringing a new generation into farming.

He also talked about environment and sustainability through a 'circular economy' approach.

"A nationwide 'Circular Economy' model will tackle plastic, e-waste, and agricultural waste, turning pollution into productivity through recycling hubs, waste-to-energy plants, and rural biogas systems," the BNP leader said.

He said their future policy will also modernise agricultural research, extension, and training to deliver quality seeds, innovation, and technology directly to farmers' doorsteps.

Tarique said in a world of growing uncertainty, Bangladesh can lead by example, proving that food security, sustainability, and dignity for farmers are not distant goals, but achievable realities.

"Bangladesh's strength has always been in the hands that till its soil. BNP will empower those same hands to shape the nation's future," he added.