Ensuring farmers’ welfare key to national development: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that the true development of the country is only possible if farmers are ensured a dignified and prosperous life.

Addressing a BNP election rally at the ATM Field in Naogaon town in the afternoon, Tarique said, “After returning to the country following 17 long years, all I see everywhere are problems upon problems. Wherever I go, people are placing demands. The question is—what actually happened in the country during these 17 years?”

Referring to demands raised by local BNP leaders and candidates, he recalled the contributions of late president Ziaur Rahman, saying that through the Barind Multipurpose Development Project in Naogaon and surrounding areas, Ziaur Rahman had ensured the production of three crops a year.

“Agriculture is the main livelihood of the people of this region. If farmers are kept well, the country will see real development,” he said.

He further said that late president Ziaur Rahman worked extensively for the upliftment of farmers by excavating canals and promoting tree plantation, laying the foundation for a green revolution.

Speaking about future plans, Tarique said that besides rice, Naogaon produces vegetables and mangoes, and necessary steps would be taken to reduce farmers’ production costs.

He announced that every family’s mother would be provided with a “family card,” through which women would receive financial assistance.

He also said farmers would be given agriculture cards, enabling them to receive free fertiliser, seeds, pesticides and other necessary support. Agricultural loans would also be disbursed through these cards.

The BNP chairman said that if BNP comes to power, a railway line would be built in Naogaon and farmers’ loans of up to Tk10,000 would be waived.

“No one can stop those who have the people by their side,” he added.

Calling on supporters to safeguard their votes, he urged them to offer Tahajjud prayers on election day and then go to polling centers to protect the ballot boxes.

Tarique also said BNP would work to improve sports in the country by selecting talented players from the school level and grooming them into world-class athletes who would bring glory to the nation.

He announced plans to introduce monthly honorariums for imams, muezzins and leaders of other religious communities.

Reiterating his call to voters, he said people should pray and then stand united at polling centers with their families.

“We want to change the fate of rural people. Flyovers and a few concrete structures are not real development. Mega projects have led to mega corruption. We do not want that kind of development,” he said. “We want development that fulfills the aspirations of the grassroots people.”

The rally was jointly organised by the Naogaon and Joypurhat district units of BNP and was presided over by Naogaon District BNP President Abu Bakkar Siddik Nannu.