BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman today pledged to establish agro-based industries in the country’s northern region, including Thakurgaon, Panchagarh and Dinajpur, to create employment opportunities for local people.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at the playground of Thakurgaon Government Boys’ High School.

Tarique said the northern region -- particularly Thakurgaon, Panchagarh and Dinajpur -- is predominantly agricultural.

“We want to ensure employment for the people of this region so that they can live comfortably through decent jobs,” he said.

To this end, he said, the party has decided not only to stand beside farmers and waive agricultural loans, but also to promote agro-based industries in the area.

“All industries related to agriculture, including mills and factories, will be established across the northern region so that sustainable employment can be created for the local population,” he added.

He said there is a large number of educated youths in the region who remain unemployed, and the party has therefore decided to provide them with training.

“The training may be in agriculture, machinery, or other trades. Our aim is to equip young people with skills and turn them into a competent workforce so that they can secure employment either in their localities or abroad,” he said.

Expressing his vision for rebuilding the country, Tarique said, “We have carried out movements and struggles, and now we want to rebuild the nation by taking all people along.”

He said the goal is to make the country self-sufficient in food, create employment for the unemployed, and ensure that women are not only educated but also economically empowered.

Addressing the audience, he said these goals can only be achieved with the support of the people, whom he described as the true owners of the country.

“We seek your cooperation and support, and we ask for your votes for the sheaf of paddy,” he said.

He added that public support is essential to implement the plans presented before the audience for the welfare of the country and its citizens.

Tarique also pledged the introduction of a family card, the waiver of agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, and said the government would repay small loans on behalf of borrowers if it comes to power.

He further assured the modernisation of Thakurgaon Sugar Mill and the reopening of Panchagarh Sugar Mill, alongside the establishment of a medical college and a public university in Thakurgaon.

Reiterating that the election is not merely about electing public representatives, he said it is an election to restore the rights lost by the people over the past decade and to rebuild the country.

The rally, presided over by Thakurgaon district BNP President Mirza Faisal Amin, was also addressed by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and BNP Rangpur divisional Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu, among others.

Earlier, Tarique left Dhaka for Saidpur on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight at 10:05am and later travelled to Thakurgaon by helicopter.

Following the rally at Thakurgaon, he flew to Nilphamari to address another programme.