Events of 5 August compel us to rethink politics: Tarique Rahman
The new generation is searching for hope and all generations are looking for direction, said BNP’s newly appointed chairman, Tarique Rahman.
He stated that the BNP seeks to steer the country onto the right path by abandoning politics of violence and vengeance.
Tarique Rahman made these remarks today, Saturday, at a courtesy meeting with editors of various media outlets held at a hotel in Banani, Dhaka.
Tarique Rahman said, “On one side, there is a funeral from 1981; on another, the funeral of 31 December 2025; and on the third, 5 August 2024. Looking at these events, it becomes clear that there is no need to return to the previous state of affairs.”
He added that the price the country has paid, particularly the events of 5 August, has compelled politicians to rethink politics in a new way.
Tarique Rahman called upon all political stakeholders to seek solutions through discussions.
He said, “Differences of opinion are natural. However, these must never turn into divisions of opinion or lead to the fragmentation of the nation. We have seen the consequences of that on 5 August.”
Calling on journalists to engage in constructive criticism, he said, “Criticism is necessary. But not criticism for its own sake. We want criticism that helps resolve the country’s problems.”
Returning to the country on 25 December after one and a half decades in exile, Tarique Rahman said he had the opportunity to visit several places.
Sharing his experiences, he remarked, “I have felt that people’s expectations of politicians are very high. Even if it is not possible to meet all expectations, it is the responsibility of politicians to ensure that the state moves forward on the right path.”
He noted that there are approximately 15 million (1.5 crore) farmers in the country. Indicating plans to introduce an ‘agri card’ for them, he said, “Those who ensure food for 200 million (20 crore) people have no dedicated platform. We ourselves must understand their problems.”
Tarique Rahman highlighted the role of his mother and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, who served three terms, in promoting women’s education.
He said that if BNP forms the next government, there are plans to introduce a family card to make educated women economically self-reliant.
He also spoke about reducing expenditure in the healthcare sector by following a prevention-based model.
He said that if people can be made aware such as which foods to avoid to reduce the risk of kidney disease, heart disease or diabetes, state expenditure can be reduced and people can remain healthier.
He added that there are plans to recruit healthcare workers for this purpose.
Jaijaidin editor Shafik Rehman, Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam, The Daily Manab Zamin editor-in-chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, New Age editor Nurul Kabir, Kaler Kantho editor Hasan Hafiz, Jugantor editor Abdul Hye Shikder, Inqilab editor AMM Bahauddin, Prothom Alo executive editor Sajjad Sharif and Prothom Alo head of online Shawkat Hossain, among others, were present.
Also present at the event were BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed and other senior party leaders.