Let your votes prove Bogura is BNP’s fortress, says Tarique
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday called on voters in Bogura to support the party’s sheaf of paddy symbol in the upcoming national election, saying a strong vote would reaffirm the district as a BNP stronghold.
Addressing a massive roadside rally at the Mokamtola bus stand in Shibganj upazila in the afternoon, he said the BNP has always prioritised both national progress and local development whenever it came to power through a popular mandate.
BNP-backed candidate for Bogura-2 (Shibganj), Mir Shahe Alam, also spoke at the rally.
Earlier in the day, Tarique Rahman paid a visit to the shrine of Hazrat Shah Sultan Balkhi Mahisawar (RA) at historic Mahasthangarh in Shibganj upazila before departing for Rangpur.
On Thursday night, while addressing another rally in Naogaon district town, the BNP chairman alleged that one group had deprived people of their voting rights and then fled the country, while another group remained inactive for years and has now resumed conspiracies.
He urged voters to stay vigilant so that ballot boxes are protected, warning against past practices where empty boxes were later shown as full.
Describing the rally as part of his election campaign in the northern districts, Tarique Rahman said the BNP has no intention of fleeing the country by boarding a plane, adding that the party has endured 17 years of repression by standing firmly with the people.
He again appealed to voters to cast their ballots for the sheaf of paddy symbol and claimed that people’s lives have not meaningfully improved over the past 16 years.
The BNP chairperson said his party aims to improve the lives of rural communities and women, ensure public safety, and create an environment where people can move freely and sleep peacefully at night.
Referring to development initiatives, he said while Dhaka has seen visible projects, many so-called mega projects have turned into examples of mega corruption.
Addressing farmers, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh’s prosperity depends on protecting its farmers.
He pointed out that although the northern region produces large quantities of rice and mangoes, it lacks adequate cold storage facilities for mango preservation, pledging steps to resolve the issue.
He also said rail transport would be prioritised so farmers can transport their produce to Dhaka at lower costs.
Recalling the contributions of late President Ziaur Rahman, he noted that agricultural loan interest up to Tk 5,000 had once been waived, and pledged to increase that limit to Tk 10,000.
He further said agricultural cards would be gradually issued to all farmers to ensure timely access to seeds and fertilisers, helping them build economic resilience and cope with natural disasters.
On women’s welfare, he announced plans to introduce family cards to ensure monthly government support for mothers’ healthcare. He also said healthcare services would be expanded in rural areas so that common ailments can be treated locally.
Speaking to educated unemployed youths, Tarique Rahman said not everyone needs to become a doctor or engineer, noting that many can pursue careers as professional athletes.
He emphasised sports training from school level to help young people earn livelihoods and bring international recognition to the country.
He added that many educated youths live in agricultural and industrial zones and that employment opportunities would expand through skills development programmes.
The IT sector would also be prioritised, he said, adding that discussions have already taken place with foreign companies interested in investing in Bangladesh.
The Naogaon rally was chaired by district BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddique Nannu. Central BNP leaders, district-level leaders, and representatives of affiliated organisations also addressed the gathering.
Candidates from all constituencies in Naogaon and Joypurhat districts were present and spoke at the rally.