Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon the nation to cast a “Yes” vote in the upcoming referendum, urging citizens to rise above party affiliations for the sake of national interest.
Addressing a massive divisional election rally as the chief guest at Rangpur’s historic Collectorate Eidgah Maidan on Friday night, Tarique Rahman emphasized that the referendum is a crucial step in upholding the spirit of the recent mass uprising.
Honoring the Martyrs of the ‘July Charter’
Beginning his speech by paying tribute to the martyrs of the July-August revolution, the BNP Chairman noted that Rangpur holds a sacred place in the nation’s heart.
“Rangpur is the land soaked in the holy blood of Abu Sayeed,” he said. “It is our moral responsibility to protect the ‘July Charter,’ a vision for which nearly 1,400 martyrs, including Abu Sayeed and Wasim, sacrificed their lives.”
He urged the public to maintain the unity displayed during the August 5 revolution, declaring that the era of “midnight” or “dummy” elections is over. He called for constant vigilance to ensure that the people’s right to vote is never snatched away again.
A Vision for Rangpur’s Development
Outlining his party’s plans for the northern region, Tarique Rahman challenged the perception of Rangpur as a “poor region.” Instead, he described it as an area of immense potential.
His development pledges for the division include:
- Industrialization: Establishing agro-based industries to process local produce.
- Entrepreneurial Support: Providing special incentives for businessmen to foster large-scale employment.
- IT Revolution: Granting tax exemptions for a specific period to local IT firms to boost the digital economy.
Welfare for Farmers and Women
The BNP Chairman also detailed major policy shifts aimed at social welfare. He announced that if the BNP forms the government:
- Agricultural Relief: Farm loans up to 10,000 BDT (including interest) will be waived.
- Agriculture Cards: Farmers will receive specialized cards ensuring free seeds and pesticides for at least one crop season.
- Family Cards: A “Family Card” system will be introduced, issued in the names of women, to ensure their economic empowerment and direct access to state benefits.
As the rally concluded, Tarique Rahman asked the crowd, “I have shared our plans; now, what is your plan?” The attendees responded with thunderous slogans of the “Sheaf of Paddy” (Dhaner Sheesh).
The BNP Chairman ended by urging everyone to perform their Fajr prayers on the day of the vote and head to the polling centers early to exercise their democratic right.
