Tarique vows quick execution of Teesta Master Plan if elected

BNP chairman Tarique Rahman addressing a public meeting in Nilphamari on Saturday 7 Feb 2026.

Nilphamari, Feb 7 — BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday said that if BNP forms the government, one of its main priorities will be the swift implementation of the Teesta Master Plan.

“The implementation of the Teesta Master Plan is the key demand of the people of this region. So, if BNP comes to power, one of our main tasks will be to start work on the Teesta Master Plan as soon as possible,” he said while addressing an election rally organised by district BNP at the Nilphamari High School ground in the afternoon.

He said once the Teesta Master Plan is implemented, the region will become green and fertile again. “Canals and beels will be filled with water, and people will no longer suffer from water shortages for agriculture and other purposes,” he added.

Tarique Rahman said leaders and activists of various political parties, including BNP, had sacrificed their lives during the previous regime, and the people of Nilphamari were also subjected to repression for speaking out to protect voting rights.

He said people would vote again in the election on the 12th and elect their representatives. “But voting alone is not enough. We must see this election as an election to rebuild the country. If we cannot build the country, we will have no place to go. Our first and last place is Bangladesh,” he said.

The BNP chairman said that if BNP forms the government, women would be made economically self-reliant. “We want to introduce family cards for every woman, regardless of religion, so that mothers of hardworking families receive monthly government support,” he said.

He also announced plans for farmers, saying that if farmers prosper, the country will prosper. BNP will waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, for farmers across the country, he added.

Referring to religious leaders, Tarique Rahman said imams, khatibs, muazzins and leaders of other religions contribute to society from birth to death but many live in hardship. “If BNP forms the government, we will ensure respect and a dignified life for them,” he said.

He also warned against groups attempting to intimidate voters, saying strict action would be taken against anyone who threatens or misleads voters.

Recalling the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, he said Bangladesh was liberated without discrimination based on religion or caste. “Future politics will be about nation-building and state-building. We want to build the country together with everyone,” he said.

Highlighting development plans for Nilphamari, he said the Uttara EPZ would be expanded, more factories would be set up, and training centres would be established to develop skilled manpower and create employment opportunities.

He also assured the establishment of a medical college in Nilphamari, gradual upgrading of Saidpur Airport into an international airport, and development of the area as an industrial zone to reduce dependence on agriculture. “We want to remove the tag of neglect from Nilphamari-Dinajpur and ensure development of roads, ghats, schools and colleges,” he said.

BNP’s Rangpur Divisional Co-Organising Secretary Abdul Khalek, former MP Bilkis Islam, former Joint General Secretary of district BNP Advocate Abu Mohammad Soyem, among others, spoke at the rally. - UNB