‘Politics should prioritise people’s wellbeing’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said politics must break free from decades of mutual accusations and hostility and instead concentrate on improving the everyday lives of citizens and standing by them in moments of hardship.
“Why do we engage in politics? Ultimately, it is for the people of this country.
In simple terms, standing beside the people is the highest expression of politics,” he said while virtually addressing a programme in Jashore where BNP provided financial assistance to a three-year-old girl, Afia, born with albinism-a genetic condition.
Tarique said genuine politics is about service and compassion, not merely attacking rival parties from public platforms.
“Politics that only revolves around blaming one another does not put food on people’s tables. Politics must be about helping people live better lives,” he said.
Referring to the long-standing culture of confrontational politics, he said the time has come for a shift in political practice.
“We have followed one pattern of politics for many years. Now that approach must change. We want politics that is closely connected to people’s welfare.”
He added that political responsibility also means standing beside people during natural disasters such as floods, storms and cyclones, as well as during personal and social crises.
“Going to people and supporting them in times of suffering-that is real politics,” he said.
The assistance programme focused on Afia, a child from Jashore who was born with albinism.
Afia and her mother have been living in extreme hardship after the child’s father abandoned the family, accusing his wife of infidelity because of the child’s physical condition.
Expressing deep sympathy for Afia and her mother, Tarique said no child should face discrimination or suffering because of a genetic condition.
“There are many Afias in Bangladesh, and many helpless mothers like her. They are also children of this country. We must not turn away from them,” he said.
He said BNP aims to support such vulnerable people as part of its commitment to people-centred politics. “Just as we stand beside Afia today, we want to stand beside every helpless person across the country,” he added.
Referring to the political developments following August 5, when an authoritarian regime collapsed in the face of mass movements, Tarique said the interim government has undertaken some reform initiatives, mainly in constitutional and legal areas.
“However, reforms must also reflect compassion for vulnerable citizens like Afia and her mother,” he said.
Outlining BNP’s plans if it comes to power through the next election, Tarique said the party intends to introduce a Family Card programme for poor households.
The cards would be issued in the names of women as heads of families to ensure direct and effective support.
Highlighting agriculture as a cornerstone of the economy, he said nearly half of Bangladesh’s population depends directly or indirectly on farming, with most people living in rural areas. “If farmers receive fair prices for their produce, the entire country benefits,” he said.
He said BNP plans to introduce a Farmers’ Card to support cultivators and boost agricultural production, ensuring fair prices for both producers and consumers.
Tarique also announced plans to revive large-scale canal excavation programmes, recalling similar initiatives undertaken during the tenure of his father, martyred President Ziaur Rahman.
He said restoring canals would help address irrigation challenges, water scarcity, flooding and waterlogging in both rural and urban areas.
On healthcare, he said millions of rural residents-particularly women and children-remain deprived of basic medical services.
BNP, he said, plans to recruit and train one lakh health workers to deliver primary healthcare at people’s doorsteps in villages.
He also emphasised women’s economic empowerment, noting that free education for girls up to higher secondary level was introduced during the tenure of late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.
“When women become economically self-reliant, the nation progresses faster,” he said.
“Insha’Allah, when BNP forms the government in the coming days, just as Begum Khaleda Zia always stood beside the people, BNP will also stand firmly with you,” Tarique said.
He said ensuring employment opportunities for women and building a strong foundation for their economic empowerment remains one of BNP’s key responsibilities.
Tarique further announced that BNP plans to introduce a state-supported allowance and honour system for imams, khatibs, muezzins and other religious leaders if it comes to power through the February 12 election.
The initiative aims to ensure that religious leaders can live with dignity, self-respect and honour.
“If we truly want to build the Bangladesh we dream of, we must move forward with this commitment and the slogan: ‘We will work, we will build-Bangladesh first,'” he said.