Tarique promises more support for farmers, canal dredging

BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday said his party wants to stand by farmers across Bangladesh and would restart canal excavation programme to improve irrigation and water management if BNP wins the election.

"BNP would be able to stand beside farmers if voters elect the party's 'Sheaf of Paddy' symbol on February 12," he said while addressing a mass rally at Government Alia Madrasha ground in Sylhet city.

Tarique said the canal excavation drive during Ziaur Rahman's tenure helped address irrigation needs for farmers and eased water shortages and pledged to revive the programme to bring water back to canals, wetlands and rivers.

He said millions have gathered as a result of sacrifices made over the last 15 years.

"To establish your political rights, your right to speak, your right to freedom of expression and your right to security you have gathered here today. In the struggle to secure these rights we lost Ilias Ali, Junayed, Dinar and many others."

Tarique also accused the previous government of looting public money in the name of development over the past 15-16 years.

"You surely remember how a few years ago water was released from over there and the entire Sylhet city went under floodwater. And how, over the last 15 to 16 years, this country was mortgaged to another country. That is why I said "Not Delhi, not Pindi, not any other country-Bangladesh comes first."

He said 'Take Back Bangladesh' campaign is not only about protecting democracy but also about wider commitments including canal dredging, standing by farmers, empowering women and creating jobs.

Tarique said women make up about half of the country's population and his party wants to make them self-reliant.

He said his party wants to deliver 'family cards' to vulnerable, low-income and middle-income families in villages and cities under which assistance would be channelled through a mother, sister or wife.

He also highlighted youth unemployment, saying millions of young people remain jobless and pledged to create employment opportunities.