Justice, democracy true honour to martyrs’ sacrifice: Tarique

Bangladesh stands today at a historic crossroads of democratic transition. Article 7 of the Constitution of the country clearly states that all power of the Republic belongs to the people. Yet the fallen, defeated, and expelled fascist clique had snatched away state ownership from the people and stripped them of all democratic and political rights.

After a long series of movements and struggles—at the cost of thousands of lives—the nation has now arrived at a historic moment to return state ownership to its rightful owners: the people. On 12 February, the long-cherished national election desired by democracy-loving citizens is set to take place.

Dear citizens of the country,

At this auspicious moment of restoring the people’s rights in the state, politics, and governance, I begin by offering gratitude to Almighty Allah and wish to address you with a few words. This democratic moment did not arrive overnight. For more than one and a half decades, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), along with all pro-democracy political parties and democracy-loving citizens, had to engage in relentless movements and struggles.

During this anti-fascist movement, thousands of people were disappeared, killed, and abducted. Brutal detention centers known as “Aynaghar” became living graves for human beings. In the historic mass uprising of students and citizens in 2024 alone, more than 1,400 people were killed and at least 3,000 were injured.

I pray for the forgiveness of all those who have been martyred at various times—from the War of Liberation to the present day—in the struggle to establish democracy and human rights. I express deep sympathy for the injured and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Dear citizens,

From the War of Independence in 1971, to the anti-imperialist movement of 7 November 1975, the anti-autocracy movement of the 1990s, the massacre at Shapla Chattar, and most recently the 2024 struggle to protect independence—at every turning point in history, millions have sacrificed their lives.

With the death of one person, an entire family’s dreams, hopes, and aspirations die. Why did these people sacrifice their lives so willingly? What did they seek? No compensation can equal a human life. Shall these sacrifices go in vain? No—never.

Those of us who are still alive by Allah’s mercy must build the Bangladesh that the martyrs dreamed of: a just, humane, secure, and democratic Bangladesh. Only through such a state can we attempt to repay the debt of those who gave their lives for the country.

Dear citizens,

Bangladesh is a country of nearly 200 million people. More than half of the labour force is women. There are over 40 million youths, 50 million children, more than four million persons with disabilities, and countless farmers, workers, and labourers. If the aspirations of these groups are ignored, the state itself will eventually weaken. A state cannot be strong if its citizens are weak.

Without ensuring political and economic empowerment of the people, democracy, development, and decentralization cannot be sustainable. The restoration of voting rights—from local representatives to Members of Parliament—through the election on 12 February is a major opportunity for citizens to reclaim their lost political power.

Dear citizens,

With this understanding, BNP has already announced its election manifesto to ensure political and economic empowerment of the people. Our plans aim to build a self-reliant Bangladesh, targeting every sector and profession. The manifesto is designed to restore the social, economic, and political rights of the present generation and secure a humane Bangladesh for future generations.

Employment—both at home and abroad—especially for youth, the unemployed, and women, is BNP’s top priority.

To address unemployment, comprehensive reforms of banking, insurance, capital markets, and regional economies have been planned. Through increased domestic and foreign investment in industry and commerce, the target is to create 10 million jobs at home and abroad.

Nationwide technical and practical education will transform the unemployed into skilled manpower. Free skills development, freelancing, and outsourcing training will be provided at colleges, madrasas, and universities. Local cottage industries and SMEs will receive easy, low-interest loans. Investment will be promoted in e-commerce exports, cybersecurity, outsourcing, data processing, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and the IT sector—creating 200,000 direct and 800,000 indirect jobs annually.

Dear citizens,

According to various statistics, Bangladesh currently has over 2.7 million unemployed, including nearly 900,000 graduates. About 22% of youth are not engaged in education, employment, or training. If BNP forms the government, educated unemployed youth will receive special allowances for 6 months to 1 year, or until employment is secured.

Dear citizens,

More than half of the nation’s workforce is women. No progress is possible without bringing women into the mainstream of politics and the economy. BNP has decided to issue a Family Card to every household—registered in the name of the female head of the family. Initially, economically vulnerable families will receive 2,500 taka per month or equivalent food assistance. This card symbolises women’s economic empowerment.

Women’s free education up to postgraduate level will continue. Women’s participation in policymaking will increase. Special support will be provided for women entrepreneurs. Women-only electric transport, daycare centers, breastfeeding corners, hygienic public toilets, and strict laws against violence, cyberbullying, rape, and harassment will be enforced.

Dear citizens,

Although economic sectors have expanded, Bangladesh remains agriculture-dependent. BNP believes that protecting farmers means protecting the country. A Farmers’ Card will provide agricultural information and financial assistance. Fair wages, job security, and safe working conditions for agricultural workers are priorities.

Dear citizens,

To prevent student dropouts from becoming unemployed, vocational and technical education will be made compulsory from high school. A third language will be introduced alongside Bangla and English. Education curricula will be restructured to ensure every student gains both academic and practical skills.

Dear citizens,

Health is the most important form of sustenance (rizq). BNP plans to recruit 100,000 healthcare workers, 40% of them women, to provide doorstep primary healthcare nationwide under the principle: Prevention is better than cure.

Dear citizens,

The world has entered the age of Artificial Intelligence. BNP has finalised policies to make ICT a thrust sector, supporting freelancing, outsourcing, and digital industries. The party’s 31-point state reform plan, presented in 2023, includes fully costed and actionable implementation strategies.

Dear citizens,

During fascist rule, $16 billion was siphoned off annually. If corruption and capital flight are stopped, programmes like Family Cards, Farmers’ Cards, and unemployment allowances are financially feasible—with political will, which BNP possesses.

Dear citizens,

The people are the owners of the state. BNP wants to ensure that people rightfully enjoy state resources. Our plans include welfare for persons with disabilities, financial support for religious leaders of all faiths, depoliticisation of administration, merit-based recruitment, timely national pay scales, and respect for expatriate Bangladeshis through a Probashi Card.

Dear citizens,

Bangladesh belongs to everyone—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, believer or non-believer. Religion is personal; the state belongs to all. BNP envisions a safe Bangladesh for every citizen.

Dear citizens,

I humbly ask for your prayers, support, and votes. On 12 February, vote for the Sheaf of Paddy. Victory for the Sheaf of Paddy means victory for Bangladesh, democracy, and sovereignty.

Vote all day on 12 February for the Sheaf of Paddy.

May Allah protect you.

Long live Bangladesh.

Long live Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

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