'Work towards fulfilling the polls pledges', Tarique instructs MPs-elect of BNP

BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has instructed the newly elected party lawmakers to work to implement the party’s election pledges.

Tarique, who will take oath as the prime minister today, reminded them about the party’s priorities, saying that establishing the rule of law, accountability, discipline, people’s welfare and national development would be his key targets.

He gave the directives during view-exchange meetings with the newly elected BNP members at the party chairman’s office in Gulshan over the past two days, The Daily Star has learnt from people with direct knowledge of the discussions.

During the meetings, Tarique thanked them for their electoral victories and for what he described as the “long struggle” of the party’s grassroots leaders and activists over the past 17 years.

Before the election, he toured different parts of the country and addressed at least 64 public rallies, seeking votes for the party’s electoral symbol, the “Sheaf of Paddy”.

During the campaign, he made more than a dozen area-specific pledges, promising job creation, welfare measures, healthcare improvements and development in infrastructure and agriculture.

He also pledged to establish what it described as an accountable and “just state” directly answerable to the people.

During the meeting, Tarique sought support to run the country peacefully and implement the party’s election pledges, Shahdat Hossain Selim, who was elected from Laxmipur-1.

“He has expected responsible behaviour from us. He asked us to strengthen our connection with the people,” Selim told The Daily Star.

Party leaders said the chairman made it clear that the election result was not merely a political victory but a responsibility.

“We have received a mandate from the people. Now we must prove that we deserve it,” a senior leader quoted him as saying.

During the discussions, Tarique stressed that the rule of law would form the foundation of the new administration.

He told the MPs that no one would be above the law and that public office must not be used for personal gain.

The lawmakers would have to remain answerable for their actions and decisions.

Senior leaders present at the meeting said that internal conflicts, group rivalry and reckless behaviour by party members would not be tolerated.

They reminded the newly elected MPs that their conduct would reflect on the entire party and its image.

Tarique also spoke about people’s welfare and national development, saying that improving law and order, tackling corruption and reviving the economy would be among the government’s immediate priorities.

He instructed the MPs to remain closely connected with their constituencies and to listen directly to people’s problems and concerns.

According to insiders, Tarique directed lawmakers to maintain coordination with grassroots leaders and activists, but to ensure that all political activities remain within legal boundaries.

The top leaders said any wrongdoing at the local level would damage the party’s credibility and weaken public trust.

During the meetings, Tarique stressed that the BNP must demonstrate that it can run the government responsibly and with maturity.

Several newly elected MPs expressed their commitment to supporting the chairman’s vision and working in line with party directives.

Party leaders said Tarique’s key message was that victory should not lead to arrogance. Instead, he urged humility, service and responsible conduct.

The leadership also instructed that no party member should engage in illegal activities, extortion, violence or any act that harms ordinary citizens.

“The party must set an example. If we break the law, we cannot speak about justice,” he said, according to a participant.

Tarique also directed local leaders to cooperate with the administration and law enforcement agencies to help maintain peace in their respective areas.

Meanwhile, party leaders informed him about alleged irregularities during the election period, blaming rival groups for various incidents.

During the meetings, discussions were also held regarding the role of law enforcement agencies during the polls.

The leadership reiterated that BNP lawmakers must focus on governance and public service in the coming days, as the party prepares to assume office.