Dhaka, Dec 15 (V7N) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday outlined his party’s priorities if it forms the next government, stressing the need for strong public support, effective governance, and solutions to pressing urban challenges.

Speaking virtually from London at a discussion titled “Upcoming National Parliamentary Election and Public Expectations,” held at a hotel in the capital, Rahman said political leaders must go beyond closed-door meetings and directly engage with the people. He emphasized that meaningful reforms require a strong popular mandate, warning that a weak mandate would limit the government’s ability to deliver.

Rahman said ensuring the rule of law and public safety would be the first responsibility of any incoming government. He called for decisive action to restore law and order, saying it must be implemented with full commitment.

Highlighting Dhaka’s chronic traffic congestion, he said the issue drains time, energy, and productivity every day, pushing the nation backward. He said resolving traffic congestion must be a priority for the next government.

Rahman noted that Dhaka’s population has grown far beyond earlier estimates, with recent figures suggesting it is nearing 30 million. He said authorities must assume that around 20 million people move across the city daily and must create conditions that allow them to commute with reasonable comfort and safety.

Addressing water security, he said an average person needs about 100 liters of water per day, yet Dhaka now requires drilling nearly 1,000 feet to extract groundwater due to a drastic decline in the water table. He added that the nearby Buriganga River is completely unfit for use, urging immediate awareness and action to address the crisis.

The discussion was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Other speakers included economist and political analyst Dr. Mahbub Ullah, political analyst Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, and BNP Acting Chairman’s adviser Dr. Mahdi Amin. The keynote paper was presented by Professor Dr. Borhan Uddin Khan of the University of Dhaka’s Department of Law.

END/AJ/SMA/