Acknowledging shortcomings while in power earlier, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, in an address to the nation yesterday, apologised to the people, saying his party has learned from past mistakes and is committed to building a safer Bangladesh for all.
“In the past, with your support, BNP governed the country several times. While running the state, we may have made unintentional mistakes in some areas. For that, I sincerely apologise to the people of this country.”
In his speech, broadcast on BTV at 7:15pm, he pledged strict anti-corruption measures, the restoration of the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Calling for a fresh mandate, Tarique added, “Learning from past mistakes and building on our achievements, I once again seek your support in the February 12 national election to build a safe Bangladesh for present and future generations.”
He said that if the BNP is given the responsibility to run the state, it will build a self-reliant Bangladesh, targeting every sector and every class of people, and will announce and implement the national pay scale for government officers and employees on time.
Tarique warned that certain groups are deliberately misinterpreting religion for political gain and attempting to mislead faithful Muslims, urging citizens to remain alert and united during this critical electoral period.
Citing respected religious scholars, he said, “Many prominent ulemas have spoken out clearly that some people, for the sake of party interests, are misusing religion and trying to confuse devout Muslims. Therefore, I appeal to all believers -- we must remain cautious so that no one can mislead faithful Muslims.
“BNP wants to build a safe Bangladesh in which Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians -- believers, non-believers, or sceptics -- whether living in hills or plains, every citizen will remain secure.”
Calling the upcoming election a historic milestone, he added, “The fallen, defeated, and expelled fascist clique had taken away ownership of the state from the people and seized all democratic political rights. Finally, through long movements and sacrifices of thousands of lives, the ownership of the state has been returned to the people.”
“Direct voting -- from local representatives to members of parliament -- is the precondition for restoring people’s lost political authority.”
Outlining BNP’s manifesto, the party chief pledged wide-ranging reforms focused on employment, youth, women, farmers, education, healthcare, technology, and governance.
He announced plans to create one crore jobs through economic restructuring, regional development, foreign investment, and expansion of IT, freelancing, and outsourcing sectors.
Educated unemployed youth would receive temporary financial support for up to one year until employment is secured.
On women’s empowerment, he said BNP would introduce Family Cards in the names of female household heads, initially providing monthly assistance to economically disadvantaged families.
“We consider the Family Card a symbol of women’s economic empowerment,” he said, adding that his party would ensure daycare centres and breastfeeding corners at workplaces, women-only electric transport, strict laws against cyberbullying, and exemplary punishment for violence against women.
Addressing farmers, he said Farmers’ Cards will provide updated agricultural information and financial assistance, reiterating BNP’s belief that protecting farmers means protecting the nation.
Education reforms would include mandatory vocational training from high school, free skill-development programmes at colleges and universities, and the introduction of a third language alongside Bangla and English to enhance global employability.
On healthcare, he said BNP plans to recruit 1,00,000 healthcare workers, 80 percent of them women, to deliver basic medical services at the grassroots level.
He also highlighted initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data processing, and semiconductors, aiming to generate hundreds of thousands of jobs annually.
Regarding religious harmony, Tarique said, “The state belongs to everyone. Ensuring safety is the responsibility of the state, and security is the right of all.”
He stressed that Bangladeshis have consistently rejected dictatorship, extremism, and communalism.
Calling on voters, he urged citizens to support the BNP. “A victory for the paddy sheaf means victory for Bangladesh. It means an independent, sovereign, and fascism-free Bangladesh.”
“On February 12, please vote for the paddy sheaf ... Let the first vote of our youth be for democracy. With your support, we will build a just, humane, and secure Bangladesh.”
