BNP vows to implement Teesta Master Plan if elected: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman declared that his party will prioritise the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan if it wins the upcoming national election on February 12.

Speaking as the chief guest at a large election rally held at Nilphamari's Bara Maidan on Saturday afternoon, Tarique Rahman emphasised that the Teesta Master Plan would be one of the party's immediate tasks upon forming the government. 

He also pledged to accelerate the construction of medical colleges and universities, as well as upgrade Syedpur Airport to international status.

Tarique Rahman accused certain groups of conspiring against the election amid growing public enthusiasm, warning that any attempt to disrupt the polls would face a strong and befitting response.

He described the upcoming election as more than a routine vote for representatives — it is a national referendum to rebuild the country, restore citizens' lost rights, and propel Bangladesh forward. 

To achieve this, he called for turning the northern districts of Thakurgaon, Nilphamari, Dinajpur, and Panchagarh into industrial hubs while strengthening agriculture.

Highlighting Nilphamari's identity as an agricultural stronghold, Tarique Rahman promised to develop it as a central hub for farming and related industries. 

He criticised the previous 16 years of "dictatorship" for prioritising self-interest over public welfare, contrasting it with BNP's vision of a people-supported government committed to food self-sufficiency.

Addressing women specifically, he announced plans to establish training centers to empower them economically, building on Khaleda Zia's legacy of free education for girls. 

He pledged to make women self-reliant, introduce family cards for every woman, and provide agricultural cards to farmers for easier access to loans. 

Additional promises included waiving agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000 and government assistance in repaying small NGO loans.

Tarique Rahman stressed the region's agriculture-dependent economy, vowing to support farmers, promote agro-based industries for job creation, and train youth to become skilled workers. 

He underscored the need for public cooperation to rebuild the nation through the party's ongoing movement.

The rally was presided over by Nilphamari District BNP Convener Mir Selim Faruk and moderated by District BNP Member Secretary SM Saifullah Rubel. 

The event drew significant crowds, reflecting the party's intensified campaign in the northern region ahead of the polls.