Campaign ends tomorrow: Tarique tours 26 districts in 20 days, highlights BNP pledges

With campaigning for the 13th parliamentary election set to end tomorrow morning (10 February), BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman is going to wrap up a 20-day nationwide campaign tour covering 26 districts -- following the rallies in Dhaka today (9 February).

The deadline for the election campaigning will end at 7:30am tomorrow, marking the close of the campaign that began on 22 January.

During the period, Tarique Rahman undertook seven campaign tours across the country, addressing around 30 public rallies in 26 districts. He is also speaking at more than 20 rallies in Dhaka.

The BNP chief formally launched his election campaign from Sylhet. On his first tour on 22 January, he addressed public rallies in seven districts over a continuous 16-hour schedule – Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Bhairab in Kishoreganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj.

On 25 January, he campaigned in Chattogram division, holding six rallies across four districts. After rallies in Chattogram and Feni, he addressed three separate gatherings in Cumilla and again spoke at a rally in Narayanganj.

He toured Mymensingh on 27 January, addressing public meetings in Mymensingh, Gazipur and Uttara in the capital.

From 29 to 31 January, he campaigned in Rajshahi, Naogaon, Bogura, Rangpur, Sirajganj and Tangail. Subsequent tours included Khulna and Jashore on 2 February, Barishal and Faridpur on 4 February, and Thakurgaon, Dinajpur and Nilphamari on 7 February.

At the rallies, he outlined his party's key election pledges, including family assistance cards, job creation, and improved law and order if the BNP forms the next government.

Family card

Tarique Rahman said if elected, the BNP government would introduce a "family card" programme for women and marginalised and low-income families, ensuring monthly assistance of Tk2,500 or essential commodities of equivalent value.

He said the amount would be increased gradually to help families achieve economic self-reliance.

Farmer card

To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce, he pledged to expand subsidies, easy loans, agricultural insurance and state-supported marketing through a "farmer card". Fisherfolk, livestock farmers and small agribusiness owners would also be covered.

Recruitment of 100,000 health workers

He promised to recruit 100,000 health workers to build a corruption-free and humane healthcare system, improve quality treatment at district and metropolitan levels, ensure comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, and expand preventive health services.

Midday meals in schools

BNP plans to introduce a nationwide midday meal programme in primary schools, alongside reforms aimed at practical skills-based and values-driven education, greater emphasis on primary education, and increased technological support for teachers and students.

Youth employment

To secure the future of young people, he pledged job creation initiatives, technical and language skills training, support for startups and entrepreneurs, integration with global e-commerce platforms, and merit-based recruitment in government jobs.

Sports as a livelihood

Tarique said sports would be developed as a professional career and source of livelihood by expanding sports infrastructure and training facilities at district and upazila levels.

Canal excavation and tree plantation

For environmental protection and climate resilience, he pledged excavation and re-excavation of 20,000 kilometres of rivers and canals, plantation of 25 crore trees over five years, and the introduction of modern waste management systems.

Support for religious leaders

To strengthen social harmony, he said a BNP government would introduce welfare schemes, including stipends and training-based support, for religious leaders of all faiths.

Digital economy and global connectivity

He pledged to introduce international payment systems such as PayPal, establish regional e-commerce hubs, and expand exports of "Made in Bangladesh" products.

Law and order, anti-corruption focus

The BNP chairman said controlling law and order and curbing corruption would be top priorities of a BNP government, arguing that development plans cannot be implemented without ensuring public safety and accountability.

He said people must be able to move freely and conduct business and employment activities without fear, adding that BNP had previously taken action even against its own members for wrongdoing.

On corruption, he said a future BNP government would take firm measures to eliminate graft, recalling what he described as successful anti-corruption efforts during former prime minister Khaleda Zia's tenure.

He reiterated that restoring law and order and tackling corruption were the BNP's core commitments, saying the party had demonstrated in the past that it could effectively address both challenges.