BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has called for curbing corruption in the country at any cost. He made the remarks on Sunday (7 December) while addressing a discussion event held under BNP’s “Plan to Rebuild the Nation” programme, where he attended as the chief guest.Tarique Rahman said, “We must improve the law-and-order situation at any cost. Otherwise, the country will suffer. If we are able to form the government, our first priority will be to curb corruption and take control of the law-and-order situation.”He claimed that BNP is the only political party capable of effectively tackling corruption, adding that the party has played this role in the past and will continue to do so in the future.

The acting chairman further said that BNP has gradually improved national situations during various periods of crisis. He noted that millions sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence, and therefore, everyone must work shoulder to shoulder to rebuild the nation.

Accusing past authoritarian regimes of spreading propaganda against BNP, Tarique Rahman said a particular political party continues to run similar campaigns even today. He pointed out that two senior leaders of that party had served as ministers during BNP’s rule and remained loyal to Begum Khaleda Zia until their last days because of her strong stance against corruption.

Calling for national unity, he warned, “Difficult times lie ahead. There is disorder in every sector. To lead the country and the nation, we must have a proper plan.”

Criticising other political parties, he said, “Those who say ‘you have seen others, now see us’—the people saw them back in 1971, how they killed hundreds of thousands and violated the dignity of mothers and sisters."

Regarding certain political leaders’ promises of giving “tickets to Heaven,” Tarique Rahman said, “Only Allah has the authority to grant Heaven or Hell. Those who make such claims are committing shirk. Only the Creator has the right to decide one’s fate in the afterlife.”