BNP Chairpman Tarique Rahman on Monday said the time has come to exercise democratic rights earned through 16 years of bloodshed, sacrifice and sustained movements.

He stressed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) is ready to move forward with rebuilding the state through a neutral and credible election.

He made the remarks while addressing an election rally in support of the party’s Sheaf of Paddy symbol for the Dhaka-17 constituency at Kamal Ataturk Playground in Banani.

Tarique Rahman said thousands of people lost their lives over the past 16 years, particularly during the July movement, while many others were maimed, adding that their sacrifices made it possible for citizens to reclaim their voting rights.

He urged voters to go to polling centres on 12 February to exercise that right.

Recalling his personal connection with Dhaka-17, he said he and his family share deep ties with the area and that he understands the people’s sufferings and aspirations, which inspired his pledge for development and a humane state.

Outlining BNP’s plans, he said the party would ensure minimum financial assistance for mothers and homemakers and introduce an ‘Agricard’ to provide direct government support to farmers.

“If farmers do well, the country will prosper,” he said.

Addressing youth unemployment, Tarique said vocational, IT and technical training centres would be set up nationwide, while low-interest loans would be arranged for overseas job seekers to prevent distress sales of ancestral land.

He also announced plans to recruit 100,000 health workers across urban and rural areas to expand primary healthcare services and create jobs.

In addition, he pledged dignified allowances and social recognition for religious leaders, including imams, khatibs and muezzins.

Calling for collective efforts to resolve traffic congestion, waterlogging and pollution in Dhaka-17, Tarique said BNP envisions a Bangladesh where all citizens can move freely and be judged by merit rather than identity.

He concluded by urging voters to back BNP with votes for the Sheaf of Paddy to entrust the party with rebuilding the state.