BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday called for unity among all democratic forces, stating that the current situation demands collective resolution beyond party lines to ensure peace, democracy and progress in the country.

Speaking virtually as the chief guest at an inauguration programme of a digital memorial for the July martyrs at Shaheed Titu Auditorium in Bogura, Rahman said unity is essential not only among BNP leaders and activists but also among members of other parties who believe in democracy.
Recalling the late Osman Hadi, Rahman said the slain activist had been committed to democratic politics and electoral participation.

He noted that Hadi had been a candidate for the Dhaka-8 constituency in the upcoming election, underscoring his belief in voting and democratic processes. Rahman said honoring Hadi, the July martyrs, the July movement activists, and the martyrs and freedom fighters of 1971 required a singular goal: establishing peace for the people and moving the country forward.
Rahman said the digital memorial reflected the realities of the current generation, many of whom lost their lives during the July movement and were closely connected to information technology and the internet. He acknowledged that while the internet has become central to young people’s lives, its high cost remains a barrier for many.

Pledging to make internet access more affordable and accessible, Rahman said that if the BNP forms the government with public support in the next election, it would expand easy and low-cost internet services, particularly for youth. He cited a pilot initiative at Azizul Haque College, where students receive free internet access for limited periods, as a model to be replicated.

On healthcare reform, Rahman said the BNP plans to recruit around 100,000 health workers, creating employment opportunities while strengthening the health system. He said 80 to 85 percent of the recruits would be women, aiming to boost female employment nationwide.

Criticising mismanagement of IT parks, Rahman alleged that several digital parks built during the previous authoritarian period were now largely inactive. He said a future BNP government would refurbish these facilities and provide space for young people engaged in online work such as content creation and digital design.

Addressing overseas employment, Rahman said the party was developing plans to provide language education and vocational training to help Bangladeshi workers secure jobs abroad more easily.
Concluding his speech, Rahman emphasised the BNP’s 31-point reform agenda and reiterated the party’s new slogan, saying the priority for the coming period must be work, national pride and putting Bangladesh first.

The programme was presided over by Bogura district BNP President Ziaul Karim Badsha and attended by central and local party leaders and activists from BNP and its affiliated organisations.