As part of election campaigning, BNP chairman Tarique Rahman advised addressing him as “Bhaiya” instead of “Sir” while interacting with youth in Chattogram.
On Sunday morning (25 January), the “Youth Policy Talk with Tarique Rahman” began at the Radisson Blu Bay View Hotel in Chattogram.
In his opening speech, Tarique Rahman said, “At this moment, our advantage is that our youth force is very strong and will remain so for the next 15–20 years. We will benefit from this workforce. I will share how we envision shaping Bangladesh in the coming years. Many things can be said—some good, some bad—but that alone won’t bring solutions. We have identified several plans to address the existing problems. In the future, I want to hear from you, who will manage the country, how you would lead it.”
During the Q&A session, a female student took the microphone and said, “Assalamu Alaikum Sir, I am Tasnuva Tasrin, a fourth-year Management student at Chattogram University.”
Tarique Rahman responded, “Please pause for a moment. Those who ask questions can either call me Bhaiya or…”
Tasnuva replied, “Thank you, Sir.”
Tarique Rahman then completed his sentence, saying, “Considering my age, you may call me Uncle, though I don’t particularly like it. I would prefer if you call me Bhaiya.”
Tasnuva then began her question saying, “Okay, thank you, okay Bhaiya.”
She shared that she had started a mushroom business in 2020 during the pandemic but could not continue for long due to a lack of capital. Highlighting the difficulties young entrepreneurs face in securing loans due to the bail rules, she asked what steps BNP would take to support entrepreneurs if elected.
Tarique Rahman replied that obtaining bank loans in the country involves many complications and that BNP plans to amend laws to support small entrepreneurs if elected. He also mentioned that they are considering providing student loans for those who wish to study abroad.
Later, Abdullah Muhammad Rafsan, a third-year student of Chattogram Maa-O-Shishu Medical College, stood up to ask, “How are you?” Tarique Rahman responded, “I have a slight fever.”
Rafsan then asked about BNP’s plans to address urban flooding, coordinate development with environmental protection, and control pollution. Tarique Rahman said, “Cities like Chattogram and Dhaka face waterlogging issues. To solve this, we need to dredge canals. Rainwater accumulates, and the water has to go somewhere. We plan to dredge 20,000 kilometers of canals across the country.”
The Youth Policy Talk was attended by more than 340 students from over 50 universities and colleges in and around Chattogram.
Tarique Rahman visited Chattogram for the first time in two decades and will also address an election rally at Polo Ground. From early morning, party supporters gathered there, coming from various parts of the district to hear his speech.
After the Chattogram rally, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to speak at Feni Pilot School Ground at 4:30 pm, Comilla Chowddagram High School Ground at 5:30 pm, Sonagazi at 7 pm, Daudkandi Eidgah Ground at 7:30 pm, and Kanchpur Balur Math at around 11 pm.
