BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Friday said elected representatives would directly engage with citizens if his party comes to power, pledging jobs for youth, agricultural and infrastructure development, rehabilitation of slum dwellers and solutions to longstanding public problems.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally at Bhashantek in the capital.

Tarique said a prolonged movement had led to the fall of authoritarian rule and the next task was rebuilding the country. “Autocracy destroyed our institutions. To rebuild the nation, we must elect our representatives through votes and ensure accountability,” he said.

Referring to past elections, he said people were unable to approach their representatives with their problems. “For democracy to take root, representatives must be elected and held accountable,” he added.

Addressing the rally, Tarique said he wanted to hear people’s problems directly. “I expect every public representative to go to the people, listen to their problems and work to resolve them,” he said.

Outlining BNP’s plans, he said the party would introduce special cards for farmers and facilitate loans to boost agricultural production. He also promised skills training and education for youth to help them secure jobs at home and abroad or establish businesses.

For women, he pledged employment opportunities, family cards and broader empowerment initiatives if BNP assumes office. He also reiterated the party’s commitment to improving the living standards of slum dwellers.

Calling on people to take an oath of “Work to build the nation, Bangladesh first,” Tarique said development had followed every election victory of the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy. “To implement our plans, the sheaf of paddy must win across the country,” he said, urging supporters to persuade relatives and acquaintances to vote for the party.

Before delivering his speech, Tarique interacted with people from various walks of life in Bhashantek, including a van puller, a housewife, slum residents and students, listening to their concerns and assuring them of solutions if elected and in power.