BNP should pay attention to people: Tarique Rahman

N’ganj Correspondent :

BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said the people are looking at the BNP with high hope and leaders of the party must turn their attention to the people.

“You must understand what actions will make the people like you more. You may have many leaders and activists under your command, and it’s your responsibility to keep an eye on them.

Just as families discipline unruly children, there might be troublemakers within the party who need to be dealt with strictly. These individuals could cause significant damage to the party,” he said.

Addressing virtually a workshop of Narayanganj Metropolitan BNP on the 31-point agenda of the party, Tarique said, “Elections are not just about winning votes. Many claim that Tarique Rahman is only focusing on elections, but as a political party, elections are central to our purpose.

However, the future isn’t limited to just one election. People want to know what we will do beyond that. Mere promises won’t suffice anymore-we must deliver results, earn people’s trust, and show them what we can accomplish if elected.

Even if we cannot fulfill everything, we must present what we have achieved, and the people will judge us accordingly.”

He further added, “We are all political activists. Our greatest success lies in earning the trust and confidence of the people. Large rallies and processions are indicators of that trust.

However, winning public confidence through votes is the ultimate measurement of that trust, and we must achieve that. Words alone won’t work; people need to see what we can deliver for them.”

Addressing the party members, Tarique Rahman said, “You must connect with the people and uphold their trust.

This responsibility lies with you-not with the people. We must control ourselves and guide our colleagues to stay disciplined. Why engage in actions that erode public trust? It’s your duty to ensure this doesn’t happen.”

He recalled, “Many of our colleagues have been killed. During the July-August movements, over 500 of our leaders and activists were murdered. I’m unsure if any other political party in the country has suffered such losses. Over the past 16 years, many of our members’ homes and businesses have been destroyed.

Personally, I’ve faced persecution. My father was killed, my mother was tortured, and my brother died under their oppression. However, responding to this persecution in their style will not solve anything. They may act unjustly, but we must remain principled. We will respond by successfully implementing our 31-point agenda and restoring people’s rights.”

He said, “Almost everyone here has at least one fabricated case against them. You’ve endured immense suffering and even imprisonment.