BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday strongly criticised a political party for making what he described as derogatory remarks about women, terming such language as unacceptable.
“Rebuilding the country is not possible by leaving women behind,” he said, adding that half of the population cannot be marginalised if national reconstruction is to succeed.
Tarique made the remarks while addressing a rally as the chief guest at the Prabhati School ground in Khalishpur, Khulna, in the afternoon.
In his 35-minute speech, he outlined BNP’s plans for rebuilding the country, promoting women’s leadership, and reviving traditional industries.
Referring to the previous government, Tarique said leaders and activists had faced enforced disappearances, arrests and attacks, while ordinary citizens were deprived of their voting rights and freedom of expression.
“The people ousted that government through street protests. Now its the time to realise and establish our rights,” he said.
He emphasised on women’s participation in national progress, recalling that former prime minister Khaleda Zia had introduced free education to empower women.
“A political party wants to confine women to their homes and does not believe in women’s leadership. They make comments about women that cannot even be repeated,” he said.
Tarique said economic realities require both men and women to work equally, noting that women have played active roles in society since early Islamic history.
“Development is impossible by excluding half of the population,” he added, accusing a party of misusing religion for political gain and misleading people with false claims.
He also said BNP aims to make women self-reliant by placing them at the centre of development initiatives.
Outlining BNP’s future plans, Tarique said the party would revive the pottery industry, establish IT parks for youth, address farmers’ problems and introduce agricultural cards to facilitate access to loans, seeds and fertilisers. He added that agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 would be waived with interest.
“If BNP comes to power, we will ensure employment, healthcare, women’s empowerment and stability,” he said.
Tarique said Bangladesh was born through the Liberation War in 1971 and pledged to build a country free from discrimination, where people of all religions can live together peacefully.
He urged BNP leaders and activists to remain united and vigilant, saying: “BNP has the experience to run the country and the ability to rebuild it.”