Rajshahi, August 11 (V7N) — Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has sharply criticized the country’s healthcare system, saying it has been so severely degraded that citizens are now compelled to seek medical treatment in neighboring countries.
 
Speaking virtually on Sunday as the chief guest at the long-awaited biannual conference of Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP, Tarique stated that the destruction of public health infrastructure is just one example of broader national mismanagement under the current government.
 
He also declared that the BNP would take the issue of Bangladesh’s rightful share of transboundary rivers — including the Padma — to international court if necessary.
 
“We will go to the international court to secure our rightful share of water from the Padma and other rivers if required,” he said, emphasizing a more assertive future foreign policy direction under BNP leadership.
 
In his speech, Tarique called on party leaders and activists to refrain from making any statements or taking actions that could negatively influence the upcoming elections.
 
“We are facing many challenges. To overcome them, we must stand with the people,” he said, urging unity and discipline within party ranks.
 
He also launched a scathing attack on the current administration, saying: “Authoritarian Sheikh Hasina has destroyed the country. In the future, BNP will come to power through people’s votes, rebuild the nation, and lead it forward.”
 
The event drew considerable excitement among party supporters. Held at the main intersection of Pathanpara in Rajshahi city, the conference was the first of its kind in 16 years. From early afternoon, large processions of BNP activists arrived in groups from various city wards, eventually filling the entire area.
 
The conference was presided over by Rajshahi Metropolitan BNP Convener and freedom fighter Advocate Ershad Ali Ishar. Several senior party figures also addressed the gathering, including BNP Chairperson’s Advisers Abdus Salam and Mizanur Rahman Minu, as well as Organizing Secretary Syed Shaheen Shawkat and other central leaders.
 
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