Chittagong, Jan 25 (V7N) — Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman has said that his party will take a strict zero-tolerance approach against corruption if it comes to power, and no leniency will be shown even if the offender belongs to BNP itself.

He made the remarks while addressing a large election rally at the Polo Ground in Chittagong on Sunday afternoon.

Tarique Rahman said the law and order situation would be brought under firm control to ensure the safety and security of the people. “No concessions will be made to criminals, regardless of their political identity,” he said.

Upon arriving at the rally venue, the BNP chairman greeted the crowd in the regional Chittagonian dialect, asking, “How are you?”—to which the audience responded in unison, “We are fine,” creating a lively atmosphere at the gathering.

In his speech, Tarique Rahman said that the people of the country are demanding change and political rights, and emphasized the need to move beyond the politics of blame. “If politics remains confined to criticism, development will not reach the people,” he said, adding that BNP has always worked to improve people’s lives whenever it has been in power.

He stressed that the country’s progress depends on the wellbeing of its farmers, pledging to build Bangladesh alongside hardworking people from all sectors.

The BNP chairman also announced plans to increase the number of Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and said effective measures would be taken to resolve waterlogging problems, including in Chittagong.

On education, Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of practical and skills-based learning rather than certificate-oriented education. “BNP will introduce an employment-based education system,” he said.

Criticizing the Awami League’s past governance, he claimed corruption increased during the 1996–2001 period, while asserting that Bangladesh’s corruption index improved under BNP rule. He credited former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia with freeing the country from entrenched corruption.

Recalling his family’s historical ties to Chittagong, Tarique Rahman said the city holds deep emotional significance for him. “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared independence from Chittagong and was martyred on this soil. Begum Khaleda Zia was honored here as ‘Desnetri’. Our family has a deep bond with this city,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the BNP chairman participated in a youth dialogue with university students at a hotel in Chittagong, where he exchanged views on education, employment, agriculture, women’s empowerment and future national planning. He also responded to questions and took suggestions from the youth.

END/SMA/AJ