BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman addressed an election rally at a playground on Kamal Ataturk Avenue in the Banani area of the Dhaka-17 constituency this noon. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman today said the party is committed to rebuilding the nation.

“We have regained our voting rights through immense bloodshed and sacrifice. Now this opportunity must be utilised to rebuild the country. BNP will remain active in nation-building. BNP was, is, and always will be by the side of the people,” he said.

Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing an election rally at a playground on Kamal Ataturk Avenue in the Banani area of the Dhaka-17 constituency this noon.

He said that if BNP is elected by the votes of the people, the party, Inshallah, aims to transform cities across the country, including Dhaka, into safe cities.

Elaborating on BNP’s vision for changing the fortunes of the people, Tarique Rahman said BNP is the only political party with both a concrete plan and experience in governing the country.

Highlighting that women constitute half of the country’s total population, he said real development is not possible without ensuring women’s participation in the development process. “For this reason, BNP has announced the ‘Family Card’ programme,” he added.

Speaking about farmers, Tarique Rahman said, “If farmers prosper, the country will prosper.” He recalled that during BNP’s previous tenure, initiatives were taken to waive interest and agricultural land rents for farmers. 

“Continuing that approach, if BNP forms the government, agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, along with interest, will be waived,” he said.

He further said that they will create employment for the youth of the country, whether boys or girls, by establishing various technical institutes including ICT and vocational training. "I have presented before you the plan to ensure every person becomes economically self-sufficient, irrespective of party affiliation, class, or profession,” he added. 

Over expatriate workers, the BNP Chairman said, “Many have to sell ancestral land to go abroad. If a BNP government is formed, low-interest loans will be arranged for trained migrant workers, so they can go abroad without selling their land."

Regarding healthcare, he said, “Arrangements will be made so that mothers, sisters, and children, especially, can receive primary treatment right in their villages and wards. If BNP forms government, initiatives will be taken quickly to build government hospitals."

Tarique Rahman said, “BNP has made plans to improve the standard of living for religious leaders of society, including imams, khatibs, muezzins, and religious leaders of various faiths. If a BNP government is formed, these religious personalities will receive government assistance."

The BNP Chairman said, “Inshallah, if BNP succeeds on February 12, the party will gradually implement the plans it has made for the people of the country, as well as the promises presented to the people of this area, Inshallah, by the grace of Allah.

Referring to the Dhaka-17 constituency, he said, air pollution and traffic congestion have become major problems in this area. These problems can be solved if everyone works together. BNP always believes that the people are the source of all BNP's power. We do not want to make any promise to you that is beyond people’s means or capacity.

Seeking votes for the Sheaf of Paddy, Tarique Rahman said, “Today, as a candidate for Dhaka-17, I seek your verdict in favor of the Sheaf of Paddy. Through you, I want to convey this message across the country – when the country is ours, we must manage it ourselves. Make the Sheaf of Paddy victorious by casting votes for it. Give us the opportunity to build the country."