BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday accused the Awam League of looting the country under the guise of development over the past 17 years and urged citizens to remain vigilant against ongoing conspiracies ahead of the February 12 national election.
“Although I was not in the country for 17 years, I heard a lot of development had taken place. In reality, I saw plunder under the name of development,” he said, speaking at a public rally organized by Faridpur District BNP at the Government Rajendra College field.
“A deep conspiracy is still underway. If we can stop this on February 12, from February 13, the people’s rule will be restored,” he said.
Appealing to voters under the party’s ‘sheaf of paddy’ symbol, he said: “Now is the time for the proper exercise of rights that were taken away from you. If we come to power, we will create employment opportunities for the unemployed.”
The BNP chairman also addressed local development issues, saying, “Regarding Faridpur, district leaders have demanded a city corporation and declaring Faridpur as a division. If we come to power through your votes, these demands will be fulfilled.”
On gender issues, he said: “Half of the country’s population is women. Men and women work together in the field. Yet, some new tyrants, known to people as spies, have leaders who have used disgraceful words about women. They claim to do politics in the name of Islam but insult women.”
Referring to the July incidents, disappearances, killings, and injuries, he said: “Those who were victims hoped to regain the rights that were snatched from the people for 16 years. The people will elect their preferred representatives on February 12, who will lead the country.”
Tarique also outlined development priorities, saying, “The country has suffered many losses. Now we must rebuild. New schools and colleges must be established, mills and factories developed, canals dug, rivers dredged, and cold storage facilities created for farmers. Much work remains to be done.”
The rally was presided over by Faridpur District BNP convener Modarsher Ali Ichar.
BNP Organizational Secretary Shama Obaid, Khandakar Mashukur Rahman Mashuk, Chowdhury Nayeb Yusuf, Shahidul Islam Babul, were present at the time, among others.
