Next election will be very difficult: Tarique

Bangladesh Nationalist Party Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has cautioned party leaders and activists that the upcoming election will be highly challenging and emphasised the need to earn public trust.

“We must be with the people and gain their support. Many may think we are already in power, but that is not the case. To achieve power, we need the people's backing,” Tarique said while addressing virtually from London the BNP's divisional training workshop at the Town Hall Tarique Memorial Auditorium in Mymensingh on Monday (December 2).

Acknowledging the political landscape, Tarique said, “The next elections will not be easy. From my 30-35 years of experience, I can confidently say they will be very difficult. People's perspectives have evolved. If we’ve made mistakes, we must apologise and move forward.”

Tarique Rahman urged leaders to ensure their actions do not alienate the public. He highlighted BNP's 31-point agenda as a reflection of their commitment to the country's welfare, developed in consultation with like-minded political parties.

“The agenda demonstrates our focus on the people. Leaders must remain vigilant not to harm their trust,” he added.

Stressing the importance of education, Tarique advocated for increased teacher training over infrastructural investments.

“Children must be taught values, and corruption must be curbed from the grassroots. By investing in primary education and reducing social corruption, we can lay a strong foundation for the country,” he said.

Tarique iterated BNP's commitment to supporting farmers, referencing initiatives from Begum Khaleda Zia's tenure, such as loan waivers and rent relief for land.

“Every farmer should have a card to ensure they receive the state’s fertilizer and seeds. If farmers are supported with Tk 20,000 per bigha for cultivation, they can earn double. This will be a significant step for them,” he explained, adding that family cards would also be introduced to provide additional support.

The day-long training workshop, inaugurated by senior BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan, began at 9 am. The session was jointly moderated by Anisur Rahman Talukder Khokon, Deputy Secretary for Mass Education of the National Executive Committee, and Abdus Sattar Patwary, Member of the Executive Committee.

Other speakers included BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Chairperson’s Adviser Ismail Zabi Ullah, Organising Secretary Shariful Alam, Acting Chairman’s Adviser Dr Mahadi Amin, Treasurer Rashiduzzaman Millat, Divisional Assistant Organising Secretaries Wares Ali Mamun and Abu Wahab Akand, among others.