Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman has warned party leaders and workers that the forthcoming national election will be one of the toughest in Bangladesh’s history.
 ‘In my 30-35 years of political experience, it appears that although one of our main opponents is weakened, the next election will still be extremely challenging,’ he said.
Addressing two workshops virtually on Monday, Tarique urged his party members to intensify efforts to garner public trust and support. The workshops, held in Mymensingh and Khulna, focused on BNP’s 31-point state reform proposal.
Tarique noted that evolving public awareness, driven by social media and other factors, makes the election landscape increasingly complex. He emphasised that maintaining the public’s trust requires consistent engagement and aligning actions with their expectations.
‘The BNP believes its power comes from the people. Retaining their trust is our responsibility,’ he said. Tarique cautioned against complacency, urging party members to focus on earning support rather than assuming power prematurely.
He called on leaders to correct past mistakes and to promote the party’s 31-point reform proposal, crafted in collaboration with other parties. ‘This outline reflects what we will do if we gain the public mandate. It’s essential to communicate this effectively to the people,’ he added.
Tarique stressed prioritising moral education in schools to curb corruption and outlined plans for planting five crore trees, addressing water crises by digging rivers and canals, and enhancing women’s empowerment through social movements and support programmes.
He observed that some BNP supporters developed an attitude as if they were already in power or about to come to power.
‘People recognise you as BNP, whether you belong to Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, or any other associated body. So, you must act in a way that ensures their support is for you and for the party in the future,’ he asked the party rank and file.
Tarique said that the 31-point outline detailed what the BNP would do if it received the public mandate to govern the state.
‘Greeneries in the country, plants and trees have significantly decreased, with many old trees being chopped down over the last 16 years in the name of development. If the BNP gets the public mandate to run the country, they will aim to plant five crore rain trees and enhance greenery in the Sundarbans,’ the BNP leader said.
Tarique said that a social movement was essential for further empowerment and for ensuring the dignity of female citizens in the country.
‘We will provide female members of poor families with a ‘family card’ offering various facilities. We will introduce farmers’ card, identifying genuine farmers to provide them with various benefits and financial support,’ he said.
Tarique stressed the importance of placing great emphasis on imparting moral education to children in primary schools as a means to curb corruption.
The BNP leader concluded by reiterating that the party’s future depends on the unity and conduct of its members, urging them to protect the party’s image and secure public trust at all costs.
