News Flash
DHAKA, Feb 9, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that among the political parties contesting the 13th national parliamentary election scheduled for February 12, only the BNP has the experience and capacity to run the country.
"Currently, among the country's political parties, only the BNP has experience in governing the state and concrete programmes to change the fate of the people," he said. "The BNP has clear plans and initiatives for nation-building."
Tarique Rahman made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Dhupkhola Field in the capital as the chief guest. The rally was organized in support of BNP-nominated candidate Ishraq Hossain for the Dhaka-6 constituency.
Referring to past BNP governments, he said BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had saved the country from famine and boosted food production, while under the leadership of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, industrialization created employment and Bangladesh earned international recognition as an "Emerging Tiger."
Criticizing the governance of recent years, Tarique Rahman said that "mega corruption" had taken place in the name of mega projects, with huge sums of money laundered abroad annually. He assured that if BNP comes to power, corruption would be tackled firmly and law and order would be restored.
Highlighting the current challenges facing the country, he said the economy, healthcare, and education sectors were in a critical condition, with thousands of young people remaining unemployed. To address unemployment, he said a BNP-led government would take initiatives to attract both domestic and foreign investment.
At the rally, Tarique Rahman formally handed over the BNP's election symbol, the Sheaf of Paddy, to candidate Ishraq Hossain. Describing him as "a son of this area," he recalled the contributions of Ishraq's late father, former Dhaka mayor Sadeq Hossain Khoka, who he said had worked tirelessly for the people of the constituency.
He expressed confidence that Ishraq Hossain would continue that legacy by actively working to resolve local problems and standing beside the people in times of need.
Addressing constituency-specific issues, Tarique Rahman said healthcare is a major concern in Dhaka-6, noting that the existing hospital facilities are inadequate and required expansion. He pledged that a BNP government would increase the number of beds in government hospitals to ensure better access to medical services.
He also pointed to the pollution of the Buriganga River as a major problem not only for Dhaka-6 but for the entire capital. Once a symbol of pride, he said, the river is now heavily polluted. A BNP government, he added, would take steps to clean the Buriganga and restore its vitality.
Employment was identified as another pressing issue in the area. Tarique Rahman said that if BNP forms the government, region-based industries would be established to create job opportunities for local youth and women. He also announced plans to set up technical and vocational training institutes to develop a skilled workforce, noting that such institutions would be established gradually across the country, not just in Dhaka.
