BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today spoke at a youth forum titled "Youth Policy Talk" at the Radisson Blu Hotel Conference Room. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Jan 25, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today reaffirmed his commitment to keeping pre-election pledges with utmost sincerity and vowed to strive for building a 'Dream Bangladesh' with active participation of all, especially the youth.

Speaking at a youth forum titled "Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman" at the Radisson Blu Hotel Conference Room this morning, Tarique Rahman interacted with around 500 students from public and private educational institutions. 

The one-hour session, scheduled from 10:08 am to 11:09 am, became a lively discussion as students freely raised questions on a wide range of topics-from educational reform to simplifying public services. 

The attendees warmly welcomed Tarique Rahman with a standing ovation as he entered the venue and repeatedly responded with applause and laughter during the interactive session.

"Do not be frustrated, and never lose hope. We can build our dream Bangladesh with the participation of brilliant young people like you," Tarique Rahman said while delivering brief concluding remarks.

Before the Q&A session, he noted that the country had faced an abnormal situation in recent years, but the youth, together with people from all walks of life, brought about a change on August 5, 2024.

"We must make the most of this change and harness the potential of our youth-dominated population. That's why BNP has prepared a comprehensive 15-20 year-long plan to reshape Bangladesh," he said.

Tarique Rahman also shared the party's plans to protect and improve the environment. He promised that, if voted to power, his government would excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and plant 50 crore saplings across the country. 

"Canal excavation will not only help mitigate waterlogging and perennial floods but also create alternative sources of water for agriculture and household use," he said.

Tarique Rahman, speaking on upholding his pre-election commitments after taking office, pledged not to jeopardize public trust by breaking promises.

BNP Standing Committee members Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, BNP Media Cell convener Prof Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel, BNP International Affairs Sub-Committee member Israfil Khasru and BNP National Executive Committee Chattogram Divisional assistant organizing secretary Barrister Mir Md. Helal Uddin were present at the event.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 Uprising, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said people from all castes and religions, from both hill and plain areas, united and made the supreme sacrifice to achieve the ultimate goal.

“So why does the question of religion, caste, creed, or whether someone is from the hills or the plains arise now? We will treat all citizens of the country equally. Everyone will receive equal opportunities, and everything will be considered on the basis of merit, not on any other identity,” he said in reply to a question from a tribal girl student who drew his attention to the BNP’s stance on ensuring the rights of tribal people, as well as their security, education, and healthcare facilities, if voted to power.

“Are you not a Bangladeshi? Then you will certainly enjoy the same rights and status from the state,” Tarique further assured the tribal student.

“We must improve the law and order situation, and legal action should be taken against professional criminals,” he said.

He said that seven out of every 10 lakh people who go abroad each year are unskilled, and measures will be taken to redesign and modernise vocational institutes across the country. Soft bank loans will be provided to those who lack the financial capacity to go abroad for jobs or education.

As part of a future plan to bring healthcare services to people’s doorsteps, one lakh healthcare professionals with basic training will be employed in rural areas across the country to provide counselling on disease prevention rather than treatment.

Regarding the development of quality education, the BNP chairman said they have a plan to bring all primary and secondary educational institutions under an online network through large-scale digitisation in phases, alongside segment-wise curriculum redesign, with a focus on preparing the future generation in multiple disciplines such as arts, culture, and foreign language skills.

Referring to the steps taken by the governments of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia for the promotion and expansion of education, Tarique Rahman said that, if elected, the BNP would bring qualitative changes to the education sector by introducing an online audio system in classrooms through an integrated network and providing tabs to primary school teachers.

Describing the huge potential of the blue economy sector, Tarique Rahman said, “A new horizon can be opened for the country if we methodically take steps to harness the latent potential of our marine resources.”

Measures will also be taken to provide financial and material subsidies, including the distribution of seeds and fertiliser to marginal farmers, alongside compensation for farmers affected by natural disasters.

Replying to a question on dealing with unscrupulous business syndicates, the BNP chairman said, “The economy has a natural flow, and it cannot be obstructed abruptly. The results will be counterproductive if harsh measures are taken against businesses indiscriminately.”

“Rather, we will take legal action against those who engage in market manipulation and unethical business practices,” he added.

Later, he exchanged pleasantries with the audience, party leaders and activists, and many people gathered inside and outside the meeting venue as well as in the hotel lobby before departing for the grand rally at the Pologround.