BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman -File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said without establishing democracy in national politics, accountability in state institutions will remain absent. 

He made the remarks while addressing an exchange-of-views meeting with retired military personnel at the BNP Chairperson's office in Gulshan on Tuesday evening.

Tarique Rahman said that over the past 15-16 years, state institutions had been systematically weakened due to the lack of accountability. 

"That is why democracy must be established at any cost. Only then will accountability return," he added.

He said no institution can function properly without accountability, nor can the hopes and aspirations of the people be fulfilled. 

He outlined the BNP's key priorities for the future, which include rebuilding state institutions, establishing accountable democracy and ensuring economic and social development centred on family welfare.

At the beginning of his speech, Tarique Rahman recalled a personal moment related to BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's illness. 

He said that despite her poor health, she attended a recent event, demonstrating her strong mental fortitude and affection for the defence community. 

He added that past authoritarian governments tried to create misunderstandings between the Zia family and members of the armed forces, but such division no longer exists under BNP leadership.

Tarique Rahman informed the audience that several core issues from the BNP's previously announced 31-point framework had been selected for practical implementation. Student organisations and associate bodies are currently being trained on these points.

He announced that if the BNP returns to power, it will introduce a national social benefit known as the "Family Card", which will be provided directly to women in five million families. The benefit will include monthly cash support of Tk 2,000-2,500 or essential food items. 

He said this would help rural women manage their households and contribute to children's education, family health and long-term investments, ultimately strengthening both local and national economies.

On corruption, Tarique Rahman said that while it may not be possible to eliminate corruption entirely, it can be reduced to a level that allows the country to be seen as relatively corruption-free. 

He stressed the need for moral education beginning at the primary level and said incentives would be introduced to encourage meritorious students to join the teaching profession.

He outlined plans to train 300,000-350,000 teachers under a "One Teacher, One Tab" policy and make sports, culture and a second or third language compulsory from the primary level. International cooperation is also being sought to train instructors in additional foreign languages, including French, Mandarin, Arabic and Italian.

Recalling the education initiatives taken during Khaleda Zia's tenure, he said, "An educated nation can only be built if there are educated mothers." He added that the BNP now aims to economically empower these mothers.

Tarique Rahman also announced the introduction of a "Krishak Card" for marginal, small and medium farmers to ensure timely access to government assistance. A technology-driven app will send essential farming information directly to farmers' mobile phones.

Calling for unity among capable citizens, he said the country must be rebuilt in the spirit of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. He urged retired defence personnel to support the nationalist forces if they believed in the BNP's outlined plans.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presided over the meeting, while Major General (Retd.) Fazle Elahi Akbar moderated the session.

Among others, BNP Vice Chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retd.) Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, BNP Standing Committee Member Hafizuddin Ahmed Bir Bikrom, Lt. Colonel (Retd.) Shamsuzzoha, Major (Retd.) Reza Karim, Major (Retd.) Shamsuzzoha, Major (Retd.) Azizul Haque, Colonel (Retd.) Harunur Rashid, Air Commodore (Retd.) Shafiq Ahmed, Rear Admiral (Retd.) Mostafiz, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Zianul Abedin, Colonel (Retd.) Jaglul, L. (Retd.) Imran Kajol, Major (Retd.) Golam Mannan Chowdhury, Captain (Retd.) Rezaur Rahman, Major General (Retd.) Jamil D Ahsan Bir Protik and Colonel (Retd.) Hannan Mridha addressed the meeting.