BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Friday pledged rehabilitation, employment opportunities, security and overall development for residents of his constituency as he sought votes at a campaign rally in Dhaka ahead of 13th Jatiya Sangsad election.

Speaking at a public meeting at BRB ground in Bhasantek on the second day of official campaigning, Tarique said he would prioritise resolving long-standing local problems if elected.

Addressing voters directly, Rahman said he had grown up in the area and felt personally responsible for the suffering, expectations and challenges faced by local residents. He said that, given the opportunity, he would work to address these issues.

Thousands of BNP supporters from Bhasantek and surrounding areas began gathering at the venue from the afternoon. When Rahman arrived on stage around 6:30 pm, he was welcomed with applause and slogans from party leaders and activists.

Before beginning his speech, Rahman invited several people from the audience onto the stage to hear their experiences firsthand. A van puller, Md Jewel, said the biggest problem in the area was the lack of housing and demanded rehabilitation.

A private university student, Hena Akhter, pointed to the stark contrast between the well-planned neighbouring cantonment area and the underdeveloped condition of Bhasantek, calling for urgent development.

A slum dweller named Lily sought rehabilitation and family support cards, while another resident, Shanta, highlighted the absence of employment opportunities for women.

Responding to these concerns, Rahman said issues such as rehabilitation, family cards and employment would be given priority if the BNP formed the government.

Referring to past political movements, he said the fall of authoritarian rule had created an opportunity to rebuild every sector of the country, a task that only a government elected by the people could undertake.

He urged voters to support the BNP, saying that whenever people had voted for the party’s symbol, the country had seen development. He also called on supporters to encourage their friends and relatives across the country to vote for the BNP on Feb 12.

Criticising the past 15 to 16 years of Awami League rule, Rahman claimed that all sectors of the country had been damaged and that, following the political change of August 5, 2024, people wanted to move forward.

He said Bangladeshis were seeking meaningful change that would solve everyday problems, improve security, create jobs for youth and ensure fair opportunities for students.

Rahman argued that the deprivation of voting rights in previous elections had prevented effective solutions to public problems, asking whether those elected through what he termed manipulated elections had stood by the people.

He said resolving national problems was impossible without a government elected through a genuine popular mandate.

Emphasising the need to restore democracy, he said accountability must be ensured at all levels, from the national parliament to local councils. Public representatives, he said, should act as servants of the people by engaging directly with citizens, listening to their concerns and taking action.

Outlining plans for young people, Rahman said a future BNP government would focus on skills development, vocational training and sending trained workers abroad.

He said many young men and women were unemployed and needed opportunities to build livelihoods at home and overseas.

He also spoke of reforms in the sports sector, noting that not everyone aspired to become an engineer or doctor and that many young people wanted careers as professional athletes.

He said the sports system would be restructured to allow players to earn a living through sports.

On social protection, Rahman announced plans to introduce a family card for women, saying every mother and sister in Bangladesh would receive one.

He also proposed an agriculture card for farmers and agricultural labourers, which would provide easier access to farm loans, agricultural insurance, fertiliser and seeds.

The rally was attended by BNP Chairperson’s Adviser and Dhaka-17 election coordination committee chief coordinator Abdus Salam, joint coordinator Farhad Halim Donar, Dhaka North City BNP convener Aminul Haque, member secretary Mostafa Zaman and leaders of various affiliated organisations. The meeting was chaired by Bhasantek Thana BNP convener Kader Mahbub.

He is contesting the election from Dhaka-17 constituency as the BNP nominee with the party’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy. Bhasantek falls within this constituency.