Tarique pledges housing, basic services for Korail residents

“I want to say something today. I do not know whether this will fall under the election code of conduct or whether someone will try to create a conspiracy… But with Allah’s mercy I want to say this, if Allah wills, then I want to carry out a few tasks here,” he said.

Speaking at a doa and milad mahfil at the Mohakhali T&T Colony field, the BNP Chairman said his party has taken a decision that, if blessed by Allah, it will gradually address the housing hardships faced by residents of Korail Slum.

“We want to construct tall buildings here. We want to register the names of the people who live here and provide each family with a flat in their own name. Those who have lived here for many years will receive those flats so that they have a permanent place to live in Dhaka city. Everything depends on your prayers,” he said.

The BNP Chairman also said he wants to establish two schools and a playground for children in Korail, along with basic healthcare facilities.

“To do these tasks, we need your prayers,” Tarique said. “We seek Allah’s mercy. If Allah helps us, then Inshallah we will be able to implement every one of these tasks.”

The residents of Korail arranged the programme seeking divine blessings for the departed soul of BNP’s late Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

The BNP Chairman, who is contesting the 13th parliamentary election from Dhaka-17 with the paddy sheaf symbol, sought prayers from residents of the constituency before formally beginning election activities.

“Politics is for you — for ordinary people. Our aim is to make your daily life better. We seek Allah’s mercy and your prayers,” he said.

Tarique said Korail holds a personal connection for him, calling himself “a son of the area”.

He recalled that the house where he grew up after independence was later demolished during the autocratic regime of Awami League. “As long as I live, I will stand by you.”

Outlining future plans, the BNP Chairman said his party wants to introduce a ‘Family Card’ for women to help households run with dignity, and a ‘Farmer Card’ to support agriculture.

He said children living in informal settlements must receive the same access to education, sports, languages and healthcare as those who live in high-rise apartments.

Tarique expressed his gratitude to the people of the area for arranging the doa mahfil for Khaleda Zia, who always tried to remove the sufferings of people and made education free for girls up to class XI.

Tarique recalled Shaheed Ziaur Rahman, who dug canals, brought water and helped raise agricultural production to bring smiles to people’s faces.

The BNP Chairman said his party wants to expand healthcare services to all people, including residents of Korail Slum. “If Allah blesses us, we want to develop women to become self-reliant. Everything depends on Allah. Please pray to Allah to enable us to implement what I have said.”

He also pledged to stand by the residents of Korail Slum and work to improve their living conditions.

Tarique’s wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, was present at the programme and waved to residents as the audience applauded.

Tarique’s chief election agent Abdus Salam conducted the event and said the doa mahfil was arranged after Korail residents expressed their wish to see Tarique.

Local representatives Abdul Malek and Akhi Akter spoke about daily hardships including water, electricity and fire safety. They also prayed for the salvation of Khaleda Zia.

Earlier, Hizb students completed a khatme-Quran before the doa.

Maulana Mohammad Ibrahim led the munajat and was invited to sit at the front by Tarique — a moment that later drew appreciation on social media.

Tarique also attended another doa mahfil held at Banani  at night in memory of Khaleda Zia.

He is set to visit the shrines of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) and Hazrat Shah Paran (RA) in Sylhet on Thursday to formally launch his election campaign after offering fateha there, reports UNB.