BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has already demonstrated his statesmanship through political wisdom, timely strategies and his role in safeguarding democracy. Beyond politics, however, he is also recognised as a compassionate man and a forward-looking planner for the country’s future.

He is well known for both public and discreet philanthropic activities, extending support to the underprivileged.

At the same time, he has established himself as a strong patron of employment opportunities and a genuine source of encouragement for talented individuals who have proven themselves either through academic excellence or innovation in their respective fields.

Time and again, he has personally supported promising individuals who lacked the financial or logistical means to move forward, helping them realise their dreams.

Speaking to the Daily Sun, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said, “Tarique Rahman has been consistently providing assistance to the poor and helpless, to talented and underprivileged people, as well as to families of party members who were killed, injured, or imprisoned during the movement – all under his own initiative.”

As a political leader, Tarique Rahman has put forward a 31-point state reform plan aimed at the welfare of the country and its people. These proposals can be implemented if the BNP is voted to power. Within this reform outline, he has included strategies to transform the country’s population into a productive workforce.

Although his party is currently not in power, he continues to prepare and analyse people’s needs and expectations, focusing on transforming the population into skilled manpower. For over half a decade, he has been running various programmes with this objective.             

Under his guidance, organisations such as the Ziaur Rahman Foundation have been working on strategies to develop skilled manpower while also providing necessary support to nurture talent, particularly during what the party has termed a “fascist regime.”

At the same time, he continues to fight for democracy while aspiring to build a self-reliant Bangladesh, pledging that these plans will be realised if his party is elected in the next polls. Even now, he remains personally committed to standing by the nation’s talented youth.

Speaking about the BNP’s vision, he said the party’s politics is centred on creating jobs for the future. “Providing jobs to the unemployed is our main goal. When more than half of a country’s population is of working age, that is an opportunity. Bangladesh’s current population can be the driving force for development because the majority is of working age. We just need to convert this population into a skilled workforce.”

He added, “This is why BNP believes that by developing the country’s youth through technical education and skill-building, the demographic dividend can become a true blessing. We aim to develop a workforce skilled in technology while also encouraging young people to pursue sports.”

According to him, nurturing young talent in sports and cultural activities is also crucial. “Therefore, we can include sports education in the curriculum to help establish sports as a profession.”

Tarique Rahman also emphasised that equipping the population with technology-based skills is essential to ensure Bangladesh’s rightful place in the global community. He said the BNP’s politics is guided by the principle of improving people’s livelihoods.

“This is why I presented my party’s sector-wise plans. We are now preparing strategies to ensure their implementation. If the people give BNP a chance to govern, we will gradually put these plans into action.”

There are several recent examples of his support for the country’s talented youth who otherwise lack opportunities.

Support for young footballer Sohan

In August this year, impressed by the football skills of young Sohan from Matlab Uttar, Chandpur, Tarique Rahman promptly acted to support his future.

After a video showcasing Sohan’s talent went viral, he instructed BNP Sports Affairs Secretary and former SAFF-winning national team captain Aminul Haque to provide full support.

Aminul Haque subsequently visited Sohan’s family in Matlab, assuring them of BNP’s commitment to his education and athletic development. Sports equipment and financial assistance were also handed over.

Backing drone developer Ashir Uddin

In June, Tarique Rahman extended his support to Mohammad Ashir Uddin of Banshkhali, Chattogram, who developed a drone independently.

On his behalf, a BNP delegation led by Ruhul Kabir Rizvi visited Ashir’s home in Puichhari village, conveying greetings, financial help and promises of further technical assistance.

Aid for youth aircraft builder in Manikganj

In March and April, he also provided financial aid to Julhas Mollah, a 28-year-old electrician from Manikganj who built an ultra-light RC aircraft after four years of effort.

The assistance enabled him to install a new engine and carry out necessary repairs.

Assistance for footballer Ritu Porna Chakma’s family

In July, the BNP leader reached out to support the cancer-stricken mother of footballer Ritu Porna Chakma, known as the “Golden Girl.”

Rizvi and a BNP delegation visited the family in Magachhari village, Rangamati, with medical aid and a message of solidarity.

Ritu, inspired by her father, is currently studying philosophy at Dhaka University.

Recently, she scored two goals against Myanmar in a 2-1 victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, and also netted twice against Turkmenistan.

Support for Dhaka Medical College qualifier Al-Amin

Tarique Rahman has also taken responsibility for the educational expenses of Al-Amin Hawlader, from Patuakhali, who qualified for admission into Dhaka Medical College but faced uncertainty due to financial hardship.

In February 2025, BNP Health Affairs Secretary Dr Md Rafiqul Islam, on his behalf, provided Al-Amin with educational materials, including books, notebooks, aprons and cash.

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