Dhaka, Jan 10 (V7N) — BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that the nation has already witnessed the consequences of revenge and retaliation, stressing that political differences must be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than confrontation.

He made the remarks at a view-sharing meeting with media professionals held at a hotel in the capital on Saturday.

Referring to past events, Tarique Rahman said differences should not be allowed to escalate into deep divisions. “We do not want to return to the situation that existed before August 5,” he said, emphasizing the need for political restraint and responsibility.

He added that if the BNP forms a government through the people’s mandate, he expects journalists and media workers to play a constructive role by offering fair and meaningful criticism.

Tarique Rahman acknowledged that while people are dreaming of change, not all hopes may be fulfilled immediately. However, he said that collective efforts to protect independence and sovereignty could guide the nation in the right direction.

Highlighting policy priorities, he spoke of taking effective steps to address farmers’ problems, the capital’s water crisis, youth employment, and road safety. He criticized previous development initiatives, saying that large buildings constructed in the name of IT parks were now being misused. “We have planned these projects differently,” he said.

Warning against divisive politics, the BNP chairman said such practices had caused severe harm to the nation in the past. He urged political activists to consider the protection of independence and sovereignty as their primary responsibility.

Tarique Rahman also proposed the introduction of a groundbreaking ‘family card’ programme for approximately 40 million families across the country. Under the plan, housewives would be the primary beneficiaries, receiving financial or food assistance for a period of five to seven years.

Expressing optimism about the country’s political future, he said Bangladesh is expected to move toward democracy from February 12. He also announced that the BNP would begin presenting its multi-dimensional election plans to the public from January 22, ahead of the national elections.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Major General (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, along with senior party leaders, were present at the programme.

Prominent media figures attending the event included Shafiq Rehman, Abdul Hai Sikder, Nurul Kabir, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Mahmudur Rahman, Azam Mir Shahidul Ahsan, Zahirul Alam, MA Aziz, Quader Gani Chowdhury, Hasan Hafiz, Shahidul Islam, and Khurshid Alam, among others.

Tarique Rahman returned to Bangladesh with his family on December 25 after spending more than 15 years in exile in the United Kingdom. His return was followed by the death of his mother, former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, on December 30. Ten days later, he was formally declared BNP Chairman at a meeting of the party’s Standing Committee. The meeting with journalists marked his first official public engagement since assuming the role.

END/SMA/AJ