Tarique Rahman’s “I Have a Plan” Inspires the New Generation: Tuku

BNP’s newly appointed Chairman Tarique Rahman has been congratulated by Sultan Salahuddin Tuku, the BNP-nominated candidate of the Sheaf of Paddy symbol from Tangail-5 constituency and Central Publicity Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said that carrying the banner of the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman will move forward as the pride of the youth.

Following the passing of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the position of party chairman became vacant. In this context, in accordance with the BNP constitution, a meeting of the National Standing Committee was held on 9 January (Friday).

The meeting unanimously appointed Tarique Rahman as the Chairman of BNP. Through this decision, he formally assumed responsibility as party chairman under the party constitution.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said that Tarique Rahman entered politics in 1992 and, after 33 years, has now assumed full responsibility of the party, becoming Chairman free from interim status. Since the imprisonment of Begum Khaleda Zia in 2018, the steering wheel of the party had effectively been in his hands.

People from all walks of life in Tangail district have congratulated him on formally assuming leadership of the country’s largest political party. Leaders and activists of Tangail District BNP have wished him success, he added.

Tuku expressed his expectation that Tarique Rahman will move forward with deep patriotism, unwavering faith in Almighty Allah, unquestionable integrity, commitment to true democracy, freedom of the press, and political tolerance—just as Shaheed Zia and Begum Khaleda Zia did.

In an exclusive conversation with this correspondent, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said that the news of Tarique Rahman becoming BNP Chairman has created a festive atmosphere across Tangail.

He believes that under Tarique Rahman’s guidance, it will now be easier to take important political initiatives in Tangail.

In this celebratory environment, Tuku expressed hope that he would secure a landslide victory from Tangail-5 (Sadar) constituency.

He also believes that, very soon, under Tarique Rahman’s intervention, Farhad Iqbal will withdraw his independent candidacy and work unitedly for the party.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku said that, following the directives of national leader Tarique Rahman, he and party activists are working tirelessly to implement the 31-point agenda. “We are delivering Tarique Rahman’s 31-point message door to door. If these 31 points are implemented, 45 million family cards will be introduced and unemployment among 45 million young people will be addressed. This is Tarique Rahman’s commitment,” he said, adding that the country will move forward through Tarique Rahman’s political foresight.

He further stated that at the request of the Election Commission, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman cancelled his personal travel plans.

He recalled that through the historic Kagmari Conference, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani sowed the seeds of the independence movement, which was later carried forward when Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence. Both Shaheed Ziaur Rahman and Begum Khaleda Zia paid tribute at Maulana Bhashani’s grave. As part of this historical continuity, Tarique Rahman will later visit Tangail to pay respects at Maulana Bhashani’s grave.

Welcoming Tarique Rahman, Tuku said that the people of Tangail eagerly await his arrival and will honor him with respect. “People from all walks of life, regardless of party affiliation, will welcome him. The people of Tangail are united with Tarique Rahman and will remain so,” he said.

Sultan Salahuddin Tuku added that the speech delivered by Tarique Rahman on the day of his return—expressing his commitment to establishing peace and democracy in future Bangladesh—has generated widespread optimism among the people. He noted that the new generation, in particular, has been inspired by Tarique Rahman’s declaration, “I have a plan.”

Conversations with voters of Tangail-5 constituency reveal a strong surge of support for Tuku. Voters say that casting their vote for Tuku will strengthen the hands of Tarique Rahman. They describe Tuku as a trusted friend of the people during BNP’s difficult times, a key pillar of Tangail District BNP in its darkest days, and a fearless street fighter. People from all walks of life expect that Sultan Salahuddin Tuku will win Tangail-5 by a large margin in the upcoming 12 February national parliamentary election.

Meanwhile, Sultan Salahuddin Tuku expressed deep sorrow and condolences over the passing of Syed Irfanul Bari, a lifelong follower of Maulana Bhashani. He prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family.