BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said the country got its independence in 1971 and the student movement of 2024 protected that freedom.
"The country's people have wanted change through the Mass Uprising of July 2024. For example, change of the education system, change of the healthcare system, and application of the political rights which were took away from them forcibly," he said.
Tarique Rahman was speaking as the chief guest at a mammoth electoral rally at the historic Polo Ground in Chattogram. city early Sunday (January 25) afternoon.
He observed that mere criticism would not change the fate of the country's people. People want change and get their political rights back. "We will have to come out from the politics of blame. The fate of the country's people will never change if we remain in criticism constantly."
Mentioning that late President Ziaur Rahman had declared independence in Chattogram., he recalled that Khaleda Zia was given the title of "Deshnetri" in the port city. "Me and my family have emotional relation with Chattogram. Bangladesh's people have wanted change. Then want to get back education and healthcare."
Referring to the BNP's contributions to the people and the country, Tarique Rahman said the BNP is the only political party which worked for changing the fate of country's people. The main objective of BNP politics is to materialise the hopes and aspirations of people.
"We will improve the country's education system if the BNP is voted to power. We will take the healthcare facilities to the doorsteps of people. One lakh health carers will be given appointment across the country.
According to Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh will remain in favourable situation if farmers' condition remains good. "We will have to increase agricultural productivity if we intend to check the price spirals of essentials. We will have to stand beside farmers. Because of it, we want to provide farmer's cards to the peasants so that they can avail loan facilities at easier conditions.
The BNP leader said it will never be possible to take the country to the expected level keeping women unemployed. When Khaleda Zia was in power, she made education up to Class VIII tuition-free. We want to make up women self-reliant. We want to take Faily Cards back to them in the far-flung areas of the country.
Tarique Rahman said: "We want to make women self-reliant. We want to take back family cards to their doorsteps. Whatever the promises we have given, we have tried to implemet those. We have already taken necessary plans. If we want to materialise our plans, the BNP will have to form the next government. You stay beside BNP."
The BNP Chairman pledged that his party would build one lakh healthcare centres and undertake canal digging programme. Besides, Chattogram will be turned into a commercial capital in its truest sense.
He said the BNP will clamp down on corruption at any cost if it wins the upcoming elections and forms the government.
END/ASA
