Tarique vows to revive canal excavation programme from Sylhet
Tarique Rahman said he began his election campaign for the 12 February polls from South Surma.
BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Monday night (19 January) said his party plans to revive the canal excavation programme launched by late president Ziaur Rahman, saying the initiative would benefit people across the country.
He made the remarks while addressing local leaders, activists and residents after arriving in South Surma, Sylhet, where he also sought votes for the BNP's electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.
"We want to restart the canal excavation programme that Shaheed Zia had initiated. If canals are excavated again, everyone in the area will benefit," Tarique Rahman said.
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Referring to his wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, he described himself as a son of Sylhet as well. "Just as Dr Zubaida is your daughter, I am also your son. As part of this family, I too am a child of this area," he said.
Tarique Rahman said he began his election campaign for the 12 February polls from South Surma after visiting the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (R) and Hazrat Shah Paran (R).
"I seek prayers from everyone so that we can be victorious on 12 February and implement the promises we have made, including family cards and farmer cards," he said.
Speaking about the past 15 years of Awami League rule, he alleged that people were deprived of their fundamental rights.
"Over the past 15 years of fascist rule, people were denied freedom of speech, and their voting rights were taken away," he said.
Addressing the gathering, he asked, "Were you able to vote over the last 15 years?" to which the crowd responded in unison, "No."
The BNP chairperson also outlined plans to provide training for young people, enabling them to secure better employment opportunities abroad. He stated that the revival of canal excavation would contribute to local development and improve livelihoods.
Stressing the importance of electoral victory to implement these plans, he said, "As a son of Sylhet, I have one request. On the 12th, the sheaf of paddy must be victorious. Pray so that the BNP can work for the welfare of the people and fulfil its promises."
Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Monday night to formally begin his election campaign. After visiting the shrines, he went to his in-laws' residence in the Silam area of South Surma around midnight, where he was received amid various arrangements.
Dr Zubaida Rahman is the daughter of late Rear Admiral Mahbub Ali of South Surma. Mahbub Ali served as chief of the navy during the tenure of former president Ziaur Rahman and later as a minister under the government of Hussain Muhammad Ershad. Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida Rahman were married in 1994.
