BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Tuesday pledged to support the residents of Korail Slum, promising to improve their living conditions and reaffirming his commitment to pro-people politics.
Speaking at a milad and Doa Mahfil organized by Korail residents at the T&T Colony field in Mohakhali, Tarique said: “The house where I grew up, after independence, was demolished and flattened by the autocratic government… You saw it with your own eyes. I am now your son. I will stand by you and by the people of this area.”
The gathering, seeking divine blessings for the late BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, was led by Abdu Salam, chief coordinator of BNP’s election steering committee for the Dhaka-17 constituency. Tarique’s wife, Zubaida Rahman, also attended the program.
Tarique expressed a personal connection to Korail, calling himself “a son of this area,” and thanked the community for hosting the event. “Khaleda Zia dedicated her life to public welfare. Our politics is for the common people. Our goal is to improve their quality of life,” he said.
Outlining future initiatives, he mentioned plans to introduce a Family Card to support women in managing their households and a Farmers’ Card for local farmers. He stressed that children living in slums should have equal access to education, healthcare, and sports facilities. “Just as children in high-rise buildings receive educational opportunities, children from Korail must have the same access to good schools, healthcare, and playgrounds,” he said.
Tarique also promised to explore options for planned housing, saying, “We will work to ensure modern housing for the people of Korail. Those who have lived here for many years will be given ownership of the flats.”
Ahead of the upcoming polls, the BNP chairman sought prayers from residents of his Dhaka-17 constituency, particularly the Korail community. He reiterated, “I am the son of the late President Ziaur Rahman and the child of the country’s leader Khaleda Zia. We do politics for ordinary people. Our aim is to make daily life easier for you. For this, I seek your prayers and Allah’s mercy.”
He detailed several initiatives for Korail residents, including constructing two schools and playgrounds, providing healthcare facilities, and offering education, sports, and foreign language opportunities for children. “With your prayers, In sha Allah, we will be able to solve the problems of Korail residents. We aim to construct multi-storey buildings here and allocate flats to long-time residents,” he added.
Sharing his personal story, Tarique said: “I am a child of this area. I used to live in the Cantonment area and now reside in Gulshan, yet I remain close to you. As long as Allah grants me life and mercy, I will stand by the people of Korail.”
Also present at the gathering were BNP’s chief election agent Abdus Salam, Professor Farhad Halim Donar, Aminul Haque, and other party leaders.
Tarique Rahman will attend another prayer gathering at the BNP Chairperson’s residence in Banani in the evening to commemorate the late Khaleda Zia. He is set to formally launch his election campaign on Thursday by visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shah Jalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet.
