Tarique vows zero tolerance for corruption

Staff Reporter :

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday said his party would take uncompromising action against corruption and ensures strict law and order if elected to power.

Addressing an election rally at Chattogram’s Polo Ground, Tarique warned that no one involved in corruption or lawbreaking would be spared.

“Under the plans we have adopted, anyone who violates the law or creates obstacles through corruption will face firm action,” he said.

He identified public safety and corruption control as the two core strengths of the BNP.

“Our first priority is ensuring people’s safety so they can move freely, work, and earn a living without fear,” he said, recalling that during Begum Khaleda Zia’s previous administrations, offenders were punished regardless of party affiliation.

“If the people stand by BNP, we will once again strictly maintain law and order so that ordinary citizens can live peacefully,” Tarique said, adding that without controlling corruption, no development plan could succeed.

“Corruption is the biggest barrier to implementing any plan. If it is not brought under control, nothing will work.”

Describing the fight against corruption as a key commitment, he said BNP had proven its ability to tackle the problem in the past and would do so again at any cost if it formed the next government.

Referring to BNP’s 2001 government, Tarique said, “When Khaleda Zia assumed office, she gradually freed the country from the grip of corruption.” He stressed that the law must be equal for all.

“An offender is identified by the crime, not by party identity. Whoever commits wrongdoing will face action,” he said.

Calling for unity and vigilance, Tarique highlighted Chattogram’s diversity, noting that people from both the hills and the plains live together. “We want to build the country with everyone,” he said.

Urging voters to place their trust in BNP, he asked them to support the party’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol in the election.

Tarique also spoke emotionally about Chattogram’s historical significance, describing it as the sacred land where Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971, where he was later martyred, and where Khaleda Zia earned the title of ‘Deshnetri’. “My family and I share a deep emotional bond with Chattogram,” he said.

At the beginning of his speech, Tarique greeted the crowd in the local Chattogram dialect, asking, “Onera kyan achhen?” (How are you all?), marking his return to a rally stage in the port city after more than two decades.

The crowd responded enthusiastically with “Bhala achhi” (We are well), triggering loud cheers across the venue.