BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Saturday called for unity despite differences, urging that disagreements should not lead to division. Speaking at a meet-and-greet with journalists at Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka, his first public program since assuming the party’s top post, he emphasized maintaining democratic processes and avoiding a return to the violence of August 5. He also highlighted concerns over press freedom and journalist safety, recalling past repression of media figures.

Rahman outlined his party’s future plans if elected, including a proposed “Family Card” program to support women’s economic empowerment for five to seven years, a large-scale recruitment of female health workers, and modernization of vocational education to boost skilled migration. He warned of an impending water crisis in Dhaka and stressed the need for preventive healthcare, road safety, and agricultural representation. He also pledged to ensure accountability through all levels of elections and called for solution-oriented criticism from the media.

Editors from major national and international outlets attended the event, offering congratulations and raising issues such as media independence, economic reform, and climate change as key challenges for Bangladesh’s future.