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'I am Not in a Dream, I am in a Plan': Tareque Rahman Lays Out Vision in London – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tareque Rahman addressed his final public meeting in London late Tuesday night (local time), delivering a passionate and strategic speech to a large gathering of expatriate leaders and activists from Greater Sylhet. The event, hosted by the UK BNP, was a discussion meeting commemorating Victory Day.
In his address, Mr. Rahman focused heavily on the upcoming general election, expected in two months. "The long-awaited election is two months away," he stated. "As a responsible political party, it is our duty to raise public awareness, just as it is our crucial responsibility to present a comprehensive plan to the people of the country."
Mr. Rahman underscored his commitment to tangible policy, telling the audience, "I am not in a dream; I am in a plan."
On the Path Ahead-Referencing the party's history, the Acting Chairman noted, "Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia rescued the country from the edge of the abyss." He then expressed firm conviction in the party's future electoral success: "We strongly believe that, with the support of the country's people, the BNP will be able to form the government in the next election. However, the road ahead is immensely difficult."
Mid-speech, Mr. Rahman connected with the large contingent of Sylhet expats with a lighthearted remark, stating, "I myself am half-Sylheti," which was met with laughter from the crowd.
Key Policy Proposals-
Mr. Rahman then elaborated on several core policies his party would implement if elected, focusing on direct public benefit:
Family Card: Introduction of a microchip-embedded Family Card for impoverished families, to be administered by the woman head of the household.
Agriculture: Issuance of dedicated Kisan (Farmer) Cards to agricultural workers.
Education: Plans for comprehensive teacher training and the future recruitment of high-performing students as educators. He also detailed a commitment to promoting co-curricular activities, including sports and cultural events, for students. The popular 'Notun Kuri' children's television program would be revamped to include sporting activities.
Healthcare: Focus on prevention-based health services and the implementation of a public-private partnership model in the health sector. He promised that citizens would begin to receive benefits from these improvements within three to six months.
Economic Empowerment & Diaspora-Further economic plans included government support to boost the income of local content creators, the establishment of small co-working spaces, providing free Wi-Fi access, and setting up vocational training institutes across the country.
Mr. Rahman also acknowledged the crucial role of the diaspora, saying, "Expatriates have a huge role in the movement against autocracy. The coming time is not very favourable." He stressed the necessity of unity: "Only if we can remain united will we be able to establish an accountable system."
Expressing his gratitude for the British Bangladeshi community with whom he has spent 18 years, he requested prayers for Begum Khaleda Zia.
Concluding his address, the Acting Chairman repeatedly appealed to the assembled activists to maintain discipline upon his return home, specifically asking them not to create any commotion or gather at the London airport.
The meeting was chaired by UK BNP Convenor Abul Kalam Azad and conducted by Member Secretary Khosruzzaman Khosru. Also present on the stage were the party chairperson's adviser, Mahidur Rahman, along with former and current top leaders of the UK BNP.
