Bangladesh Nationalist Party acting chairman Tarique Rahman pledged that BNP would place young people at the centre of its reform and election strategy, saying that the party aimed to offer real opportunities and modern policies instead of empty rhetoric as the country moves towards the February 2026 polls.

In a statement shared on social media on Thursday, BNP acting chairman said that restoring confidence among voters, particularly the young ones, remained the party’s priority.

‘As we prepare for elections in February 2026, we need to guarantee the trust of the voters across the country. To do that, the BNP is rebuilding and reorganising the party from the grassroots, embedding transparency and accountability, so that the BNP of today and tomorrow reflects the aspirations of the new generation,’ he said.

Tarique revealed that more than 7,000 members of the party had already faced disciplinary measures ranging from demotion to expulsion over allegations of corruption, extortion and misconduct.

‘This was not an easy decision, but it was a necessary one. Discipline is not a weakness – it is our strength. By holding our own members accountable, we demonstrate to the nation that we are serious about integrity,’ he wrote.

Outlining the party’s broader reform agenda, Tarique said the organisation was modernising to meet the challenges of the future, with policies being shaped around a 31-point platform covering education, healthcare, youth employment, climate resilience and digital innovation.

He said that inclusivity was central to this vision, with greater opportunities being created for women, young leaders and professionals.

‘We are working to ensure that our party’s image reflects service, fairness, and competence, not division or entitlement,’ Tarique said.

He said that Bangladesh’s current challenges were unique, so the party’s steps must be guided by new thinking, adding that BNP did not deny history but intended to move forward on its foundation.

Tarique also invoked the party’s legacy, recalling that BNP founder Ziaur Rahman had restored multi-party democracy and empowered citizens, while former prime minister Khaleda Zia had defended democracy against authoritarian rule.

‘Today, we carry forward their vision but adapt it to a new era: one where integrity, youth leadership, and global competitiveness are central to nation building,’ Tarique said.

The BNP acting chairman urged party members to remain united, disciplined and committed to service.

‘Just as you place your trust in me, I place my trust in each and every one of you for this task. Only then the path to democracy will be bright. Together, we will prove that Bangladesh can have accountable governance, stable institutions, and a future that inspires hope,’ he concluded.