BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that Bangladesh must be taken out of the cycle of vengeance-driven politics, warning that political disagreements should not be allowed to push the nation toward division.

He made the remarks on Saturday while exchanging greetings with senior editors from various media outlets at a hotel in Banani, Dhaka. This was his first public event after assuming the role of BNP chairperson.

Tarique Rahman said the BNP wants to move away from violence and retaliatory politics and guide the country toward a constructive and forward-looking path. Referring to several tragic moments in the country’s political history, he said these events clearly show that there is no justification for returning to past practices.

According to him, the price the nation has paid—particularly the consequences seen on August 5—has forced political leaders to rethink how politics should be conducted in the future.

Calling for dialogue among all political forces, he said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy, but they must not turn into hostility or lead to national fragmentation. He warned that the outcome of such division has already been witnessed.

Tarique Rahman noted that the younger generation is searching for hope, while people of all ages are looking for clear direction. He also urged journalists to engage in responsible and constructive criticism, saying criticism should aim to help solve national problems rather than exist for its own sake.

Sharing personal reflections, he said that after returning to the country on December 25 following nearly one and a half decades in exile, he had the opportunity to visit several places. From these experiences, he felt that public expectations of political leaders are extremely high, and even if all expectations cannot be met, ensuring the country’s progress on the right path remains their responsibility.

Outlining future plans, Tarique Rahman said the BNP is considering the introduction of an “Agri Card” for around 15 million farmers, emphasizing that those who feed the nation deserve focused attention and policy support. He also highlighted the role of former prime minister Khaleda Zia in promoting women’s education and said that, if given the opportunity to form a government, the party plans to introduce a “Family Card” to help educated women become financially independent.

On healthcare, he stressed the importance of a prevention-based approach to reduce national health expenditures. By increasing awareness about diet and lifestyle choices that lower the risk of major diseases, he said both public spending and health risks could be reduced. He added that there are plans to recruit healthcare workers to support this initiative.

The event was attended by editors and senior journalists from leading national newspapers, along with top BNP leaders, including the party’s secretary general and members of the standing committee.