Bangladesh, Jan. 30 -- BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday unveiled his party's development plans for Bangladesh's northwestern region, pledging to revive the Barind Multipurpose Development Project, excavate canals and wetlands, dredge the Padma River, and begin work on a Padma barrage to tackle water shortages and unemployment.

Addressing a massive rally at Rajshahi's historic Madrasah Ground-his first visit to the region in more than two decades-Tarique said the area continues to suffer from joblessness despite its large population.

"Whether the Padma has water or not, employment opportunities remain scarce.

We want to bring back the Barind project, restore canals and wetlands, dredge the Padma, and initiate construction of t...