Peace, not conflict, Tarique tells Rajshahi rally

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday called on the interim government to carry out a fair and thorough investigation into the recent incident in Sherpur, stressing that his party seeks peace, not conflict.

“We believe in peace. If there is peace, we will be able to implement what we promise. We do not want to get into quarrels or disputes,” he said while addressing an election rally at the Rajshahi Madrasa Ground in the afternoon.

Tarique said he is not criticising anyone while standing on the stage at the rally, as criticism will not fill people’s stomachs, create jobs, or waive their agricultural loans.

In an oblique reference to the clash between BNP and Jamaat activists that left one person dead, he said, “If any unwarranted incident occurs anywhere, it is the responsibility of the interim government to conduct a proper investigation.”

“If any BNP member is found involved, we will fully cooperate with the investigation. If the investigation is done properly, justice must be ensured according to the country’s laws,” the BNP Chief said.

Tarique said people of all religions — Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians — want to live peacefully in this country.

“In 1971, we did not see who belonged to which religion. On August 5, 2024, we also did not see religion. Now is the time to build the country and protect our freedom. We do not want to see religion — we want to see people, we want to see Bangladeshis. We will stand with all those who believe in democracy,” he said.

Tarique said if the BNP’s electoral symbol sheaf of paddy wins on February 12, a people’s victory march will begin across the country from February 13. “That is why I always say that we will work, we will build the country and Bangladesh first.”

The BNP chairman said that if BNP comes to power, it will waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 including interest and take steps to build a barrage over the Padma River.

“Rajshahi reminds us of Padma. Sadly, whether it is the Padma, Teesta or Brahmaputra, there is no water. The canals connected to the Padma are also dry. We need water in our rivers,” Tarique said.

He said BNP plans to re-excavate canals in the region and will start work on the Padma Barrage if elected. “Insha’Allah, we will begin work on the Padma Barrage.”

Tarique said most people in Rajshahi and the northern region depend on agriculture. “If farmers are well, the country will be well. If agriculture becomes economically strong, people will be able to buy agricultural products easily.

“So, we have decided that if the ‘Sheaf of Paddy” wins on February 12 and forms the government, agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 will be waived, including interest, Insha’Allah,” said the BNP chairman.

He also said BNP will introduce farmer’s cards to provide farmers with fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and other support.

Tarique outlined several development plans for the region, including restarting the Barind Project, making the Rajshahi IT Park operational, establishing a vocational institute in Rajshahi division, building a specialised hospital, constructing cold storage facilities for mango preservation, and providing special support to entrepreneurs interested in agriculture-based industries.

He said these plans are aimed at addressing the needs of ordinary people, whose voting and speaking rights were taken away over the last 16–17 years.

“We have seen mega projects whose main purpose was mega corruption. There were no real efforts to stand by farmers, women, or to improve hospitals, schools and colleges,” he said.

Tarique said the change that took place on August 5, 2024 must now lead to a change in people’s lives, making the February 12 election very important.

At the rally, Tarique sought votes for BNP candidates in 13 parliamentary constituencies of Rajshahi, Natore and Chapainawabganj.

He said people must decide on February 12 which direction the country will take — towards democracy or elsewhere.

“If we move towards democracy, we will be able to implement plans that benefit people. If democracy is not protected, there will be mega projects, not people’s projects,” Tarique observed.

He called upon people to remain united to strengthen democracy and ensure accountability.

Tarique’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, was also present on the stage during the rally.