Tarique Rahman, the acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has stated that BNP is the only party capable of safeguarding the country’s independence and sovereignty. He said, “Do you remember South Talpotti Island? BNP’s founder, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, risked his life to drive out India and bring Talpotti Island under Bangladesh’s control. BNP is the only party that has represented the country on international platforms to secure Bangladesh’s rightful share of water. Even earlier, in 1975, if Ziaur Rahman had not assumed power following the Sepoy People’s Revolution, the country’s independence and sovereignty could have been lost.”
He made these remarks while virtually addressing the BNP’s program titled ‘Plan for Nation Building’ as the chief guest from London. The program was held at the auditorium of the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in Farmgate, Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman further stated, “BNP is the only party with a proven track record of curbing corruption. Yet, false propaganda portrays the country as a champion of corruption during BNP’s rule. Transparency International (TI) began publishing the Corruption Perception Index in 2001, which covered the period from 1996 to 2001 during the Awami League’s governance—before BNP came to power in October 2001. Later, under BNP’s administration, the country’s score improved. BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia had established the Anti-Corruption Commission, allowing investigations into government officials without seeking prior permission. However, the current government has altered this law.”
He emphasized, “BNP has repeatedly freed the country from the clutches of corruption. If BNP comes to power through the people’s vote in the future, it will restrain corruption at any cost. At the same time, law and order will be significantly improved because the effectiveness of state administration cannot be achieved without curbing corruption and maintaining law and order.”
Tarique Rahman added, “No one else has a plan for building a self-reliant Bangladesh except BNP. A country cannot function on mere rhetoric. Employment cannot be generated, and economic capability cannot be achieved without proper planning.”
He also announced, “We have unveiled 31 points for future nation-building. These include Farm Cards for farmers, Family Cards for women, and Health Cards. Through these cards, a farmer or a marginal mother in a village can achieve self-reliance for herself and her family.”
Concluding his speech, Tarique Rahman urged party activists, “Our planning is complete; now begins the implementation. Spread across every corner of the country, encourage people to vote for BNP and explain what BNP will provide for them. If we keep the people united and remain united ourselves, all conspiracies will fail.”