13th National Poll: Dhaka-09BNP pulled Bangladesh out of corruption stigma: Tarique

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has the proven experience to free the country from corruption and restore law and order, recalling that the party had successfully removed the “corruption tag” from Bangladesh during its previous tenure.

He made the remarks while addressing an election roadshow at Basabo Tarun Sangha ground in the capital in support of BNP candidate for Dhaka-9 constituency Habibur Rashid Habib.

Tarique said when BNP formed the government with public support in 2001, both the party and the country were labelled with corruption allegations, but by the time Begum Khaleda Zia’s government handed over power in 2006, BNP had succeeded in pulling the country out of that stigma.

“The kind of corruption the nation has witnessed over the last 16 years can only be addressed by BNP, because BNP has the experience to do so,” he said.

The BNP chairman said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) formed during Khaleda Zia’s tenure was kept fully independent, allowing it to investigate allegations against anyone without seeking permission from the government.

“Khaleda Zia had the courage to ensure a truly independent ACC. That is why BNP was able to take concrete steps against corruption,” he added.

Referring to law and order, Tarique said freedom fighters present at the rally could testify to the situation after independence and how it improved when late president Ziaur Rahman assumed state responsibility.

He also said during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, extortion was curbed and law and order improved significantly.

“At that time, women could move freely and safely, and businesspeople could conduct trade without fear,” he said.

Tarique said BNP has experience not only in tackling corruption but also in improving law and order, creating employment for the youth and expanding education for women.

“To govern the country properly, planning and experience are essential, and BNP has both,” he said, adding that among the parties contesting the upcoming parliamentary election, BNP alone has real experience in running the state.

He also pledged that if BNP forms the government, steps would be taken to develop roads and culverts in the area, construct and renovate hospitals, and implement effective measures to remove waterlogging.