DHAKA: BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his party wants peace in the country and believes the future direction of Bangladesh depends on the people’s choice.
Speaking at a public election rally in Rajshahi on Thursday, Tarique said the political change that took place on 5 August must reflect the will of the people and bring real improvement to their lives.
He described the upcoming national election, scheduled for 12 February, as extremely important. According to him, the election will determine whether Bangladesh moves forward on the path of democracy or takes a different course.
“We must decide today which way we want to take the country in the coming days,” Tarique told the gathering.
“This decision lies with us,” he added.
Highlighting BNP’s plans for the agricultural sector, Tarique announced that agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, including interest, would be waived if the party comes to power.
He also said a Padma Barrage would be constructed in Rajshahi under a BNP-led government to ensure proper irrigation. In addition, cold storage facilities would be set up for mango farmers, and the Barind irrigation project would be revived.
Referring to past initiatives, Tarique said canal excavation programmes were first introduced during the leadership of late president Ziaur Rahman. He added that large-scale irrigation projects implemented during former prime minister Khaleda Zia’s tenure had significantly increased agricultural production in northern Bangladesh.
He alleged that a major irrigation project centred on the Padma River, with a separate budget of nearly Tk1,000 crore, had been stalled for the last 16 years and was now close to collapse.
“Our goal is to fully revive this historic project and restore it to full operational capacity,” he said.
Tarique assured that the irrigation facilities would not be limited to Rajshahi alone. He said farmers from Rajshahi to Panchagarh would benefit from the project.
He added that higher agricultural production would lead to increased incomes for farmers.
“When farmers smile, Bangladesh smiles,” he said, stressing the importance of ensuring irrigation water reaches every corner of northern Bangladesh.
The BNP chairman also announced plans to issue agricultural cards to all farmers, alongside family cards for women. These cards would help farmers access loans, fertilisers, seeds, and other farming inputs.
In addition, he pledged to establish a specialised hospital and a vocational training institute in Rajshahi. He said a BNP government would provide full support to agriculture-based industries to strengthen the rural economy.
