Tarique Rahman calls on youth to drive vision of ‘Dream Bangladesh’

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday reaffirmed his commitment to keeping pre-election pledges with the utmost sincerity and vowed to work towards building a ‘dream Bangladesh’ with the active participation of all, particularly the youth.

Speaking at a youth forum entitled “Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman” at the Radisson Blu Hotel Conference Room on Sunday morning, Tarique Rahman engaged with around 500 students from public and private educational institutions.

The one-hour session, held 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 gave Tarique Rahman a warm welcome with a standing ovation as he entered the venue, and he frequently 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 in his brief concluding remarks.

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

Tarique Rahman also shared the party’s plans to protect and improve the environment. He promised that, if voted into power, his government would excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals and plant 500 million 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 explained.

Speaking on upholding his pre-election commitments after taking office, Tarique Rahman pledged not to jeopardise 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 Organising Secretary Barrister Mir Md Helal Uddin were present at the event.