BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said his party would take strict measures to restore law and order across Dhaka and the rest of the country.

“Public safety and freedom of movement are essential for any development programme to succeed,” he said while addressing a public rally in support of the BNP-backed candidate for Dhaka-13, Bobby Hajjaj, at the Shyamoli Club Ground this afternoon.

“Not just in this area, but throughout Dhaka and the entire country, law and order will be ensured. Our mothers and sisters must be able to walk safely on the streets. People should be able to return home safely and sleep peacefully,” he added.

Campaigning for Bobby Hajjaj, Tarique said BNP was the only political force with a realistic plan for the public.

“At this moment, we are the only party that has a plan to change the fate of the people. We want to do what is possible for them. We will not promise what cannot be delivered,” he said.

He urged voters in the constituency to support the candidate to help begin what he described as a new phase of governance focused on safety, mobility and democratic accountability.

The BNP chief assured voters that resolving Dhaka’s chronic waterlogging would be a priority if the party came to power, alongside wider efforts to improve governance and public services.

Linking public security with urban management, Tarique warned against illegal occupation of canals, which he said restricts movement and worsens waterlogging in the capital.

“No matter how powerful someone is, if they block a canal and create problems for people’s movement or cause waterlogging, action would be taken against them,” he said.

Reflecting on recent political changes, Tarique said the sacrifices made during the Uprising must translate into democratic rights.

“Over the last 16 years, people could not vote in the so-called elections. In the coming days they will be able to vote. Freedom of speech has returned, and many people have died for it,” he said.

He also criticised corruption under the guise of mega projects, claiming they had failed to improve people’s lives.

“Projects were taken in the name of development, but the people’s fate did not change. If real work had been done in the last 16 years, we would not be facing so many problems now,” he said.