Agro-based industries crucial for farmers’ welfare: Tarique
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said expanding agro-based industries and boosting exports of local agricultural products, particularly Katari Bhog rice and litchi, can improve farmers’ livelihoods in Dinajpur.
Speaking at an election rally at Birampur Government College grounds, he proposed establishing an agro-based industrial institution in the district to promote its traditional produce internationally.
Tarique said such exports would help farmers earn fair prices, create jobs for unemployed youth, and generate foreign exchange for the country.
Highlighting Dinajpur’s agriculture-driven economy, he stressed that targeted industrial support could transform the rural economy and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
He also expressed a personal connection to the district, calling it “emotionally close to my heart” and noting that he had returned to his grandmother’s home after many years.
“I am very happy today because, by the grace of Allah, I have come to my grandmother’s house after many years. I have a soul connection with the people of this area,” he said.
As part of his election campaign, Tarique Rahman visited three northern districts — Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, and Dinajpur — on Saturday (February 7). He arrived at Birampur College grounds at 3:15 pm and began his speech at 3:38 pm, seeking votes for BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.
The rally was presided over by District BNP President Advocate Mofazzal Hossain Dulal, with party leaders and candidates, including District Senior Vice President Md Mokarram Hossain, Vice President Khalequzzaman Babu, and Dinajpur constituency candidates Syed Jahangir Hossain, Akhtaruzzaman Mia, Barrister
Kamruzzaman, and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, also addressing the crowd.
Earlier, the BNP chief held his 11th nationwide rally at Thakurgaon Government High School grounds, pledging a healthcare transformation that includes a new medical college, a dedicated hospital, and door-to-door services by professional healthcare workers.
He assured the crowd that, if elected, the BNP government would directly serve local communities through these initiatives.