Ending years of exile, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tariq Rahman held his first face-to-face interaction with the country’s media fraternity on Saturday. Addressing editors and journalists at a city hotel, Rahman expressed his vision for a democratic transition scheduled for February 12.
“Differences in opinion should not lead to division,” Rahman told a gathering of over 350 media professionals at the Sheraton Dhaka. He emphasized resolving national issues through dialogue rather than conflict. Highlighting the post-August 5 political landscape, the BNP chief vowed to keep the nation on a democratic track at any cost.
Rahman outlined his party’s roadmap, focusing heavily on state accountability. He promised that a BNP-led government would implement targeted welfare programs for women, farmers, youth, and expatriates. He further warned that failing to generate adequate employment could jeopardize national progress, urging the media to play a proactive role in nation-building.
The event, organized to bridge the long-standing gap during Rahman’s absence, saw the presence of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and the party’s Standing Committee members.
Prominent media figures, including editors Mahfuz Anam, Matiur Rahman, Tasmima Hossain, and Ziaul Haque, attended the exchange. Addressing the gathering, Mirza Fakhrul noted that the event was a significant step in re-establishing direct communication between the party leadership and the press after many years.