‘State to help fulfilling girl child’s dream’
Staff Reporter :
BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his party will make the State a partner-not an obstacle-in fulfilling the dreams of every girl child.
He stated, “Our vision for Bangladesh is one where every girl enjoys the same freedom, opportunity, and security that any parent would wish for their own child.”
He made the remarks in a verified Facebook post on Saturday, marking International Day of the Girl Child.
Here is Tarique Rahman’s full statement on the occasion: “On this International Day of the Girl Child, let us celebrate every girl’s right to dream, to learn, to lead, and to live a life of dignity.
As a father of a daughter, I know that empowering girls is not just policy-it’s personal. Our vision for Bangladesh is one where every girl has the same freedom, opportunity, and security that any parent desires for their child.
The BNP government has a legacy of transforming lives, and given the opportunity, we aim to do even more.
We saw how President Ziaur Rahman transformed the garments sector beyond industry-it became a beacon of hope.
Millions of women entered formal employment, gaining income, dignity, and independence. Under his guidance, the Ministry of Women Affairs was established with a unique purpose-to improve the lives of girls and women across Bangladesh.
Under Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s leadership, girls’ education became a right, not a privilege.
Education up to class ten was made free, and the ‘Food for Education’ and ‘Cash for Education’ programs kept millions of girls in school, changed family fortunes, built stronger communities, and created a generation of empowered women.
Her pioneering ‘Female Secondary School Assistance Project’ achieved gender parity in secondary schools for the first time in our history and reduced child marriage.
It became a global model for girls’ education and empowerment, replicated by other developing nations.
These bold measures show what is possible when governance respects the dignity of girls and invests in their future.
The BNP’s future policies will continue to honor and invest in girls and women through:
Family Cards in the names of female household heads – ensuring direct support and assistance to the backbone of every family.
SME loans, business training, and financial support for women entrepreneurs – because economic independence is non-negotiable.
Educational and vocational opportunities for girls – so that every girl, rural or urban, can build her future through skill and learning.
Women at decision-making tables – increasing participation in politics, governance, and policy. A safe nation demands nothing less.
Protection of dignity and freedom – enabling girls to move, speak, and access the internet freely, and live without fear.
Family and social welfare as a core policy – prioritizing health, rural empowerment, and jobs for all, with special attention to women and girls.
We do not speak in empty words. We speak from conviction, from legacy, and with purpose.
For every girl who dreams-we will make the State her partner, not her barrier.”