BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that those who disrespect women and use abusive language against them can never be pro-people or patriotic. “A political party wants to confine mothers and sisters to their homes ahead of the election and makes derogatory remarks about women’s employment. Those who cannot even respect their own women activists cannot keep the people of the country safe,” he said.
He made the remarks on Monday (February 2) while addressing an election rally as the chief guest at Provati School ground in Khalishpur, Khulna.
Tarique Rahman visited Khulna after nearly two decades. His last visit to the city was on March 23, 2005, when he attended a union representatives’ conference.
Referring to controversial remarks made by a rival leader, Tarique Rahman said, “A leader has openly stated that they don’t believe in women’s leadership. The words he used to describe working women are disgraceful for this society. From the garment industry to households across Bangladesh, women are now work-oriented. At a time of soaring commodity prices, both husbands and wives are working to sustain their families. Yet a political party is insulting them.”
He added, “They claim they want to establish Islam, but the wife of our Prophet (peace be upon him), Bibi Khadija (RA), was herself a businesswoman and a work-oriented woman. The predecessors of this party also disrespected mothers and sisters in 1971. The people of this country, especially women, can never be safe in their hands.”
Dismissing claims that a social media account had been hacked following the backlash over the remarks, Tarique Rahman termed the explanation a lie. “Under intense criticism, they’re now saying the ID was hacked. But experts say that it is impossible. A senior leader of a political party is lying to the people before an election. Those who lie so easily can never work for the welfare of the country. They only understand their own interests and use religion as a shield,” he said.
Pledging to make women self-reliant, the BNP chairperson said, “If BNP forms the government, we’ll deliver family cards to every homemaker and mother. Through this, women will be able to stand on their own feet and won’t have to depend on anyone.”
He recalled that a BNP government had made women’s education tuition-free to help unlock the potential of this vast workforce. “We want to rebuild the country by continuing that legacy,” he said.
Referring to the political situation over the past 16 years, Tarique Rahman said, “For the last 15–16 years, people in Bangladesh have been deprived of their voting rights and the freedom to express themselves. Those who tried to speak out were disappeared or killed under the cover of darkness. Many leaders and activists were harassed with false cases. In July–August 2024, people took to the streets and ousted the autocracy.”
Describing Khulna as a ‘dead industrial city’, he pledged that a BNP government would revive it by ensuring gas supply to industries. He also promised to establish an IT park for young people, create employment opportunities for both men and women, and introduce ‘agriculture cards’ for farmers in Khulna, Bagerhat, and Satkhira.
Concluding his speech, he urged the crowd to respond through the ballot. “The time has come to answer those who insult you. On the 12th, you’ll reclaim your rights through the ballot, Inshallah,” he said.
During his speech, Tarique Rahman also introduced BNP candidates contesting in 14 parliamentary constituencies in Khulna, Satkhira, and Bagerhat.
Earlier in the day, leaders and activists gathered at the Provati School ground in small processions from morning. The rally began around 11:00 am with recitations from the Holy Quran and the Gita. The event was presided over by Khulna Metropolitan BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona.