Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday issued a stern warning against attempts to undermine the upcoming general election, pledging a “crushing response” to any conspiracies aimed at disrupting the voting process.
Speaking at an election rally in Nilphamari, Tarique highlighted his party’s ambitious development plans, including the full implementation of the Teesta Master Plan, should BNP secure victory on 12 February.
He claimed that a specific group is plotting against the polls amid growing public support for the “Sheaf of Paddy” symbol nationwide.
Tarique framed the upcoming election as more than a routine vote, describing it as a pivotal opportunity to rebuild the nation and restore citizens’ rights after 16 years of autocratic rule.
He urged voters to ensure a BNP victory to enable the party’s roadmap for national recovery.
Focusing on regional development, Tarique pledged to transform Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur and Panchagarh into industrial hubs, while establishing Nilphamari as a central agricultural zone.
He also committed to upgrading Saidpur Airport to international standards and accelerating infrastructure projects for local medical colleges and universities.
The BNP chief outlined several socio-economic welfare initiatives, including the introduction of “Family Cards” to promote women’s self-reliance and “Agricultural Cards” to provide farmers with easy access to credit.
In a major populist move, he promised to waive agricultural loans up to Tk10,000 and take responsibility for repaying small microfinance loans from NGOs.
Highlighting the importance of youth employment, Tarique proposed training programmes to develop a skilled workforce for agro-based industries, linking human capital development to regional economic growth.
The rally, held at Nilphamari Boro Math, was presided over by District BNP Convener Mir Selim Faruq and moderated by Member Secretary SM Saifullah Rubel.
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