Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday urged political parties to take a vow to work to change the fate of the people of Bangladesh.
“At this iftar gathering, let us take a pledge in the name of Allah that our future actions will be aimed at changing the fate of the people of this country,” he said while addressing an iftar mahfil hosted by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.
The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh are now looking towards political parties with great hope and expectation.
“Let us pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the ability to work for changing the fate of the country and its people,” Tarique said.
Referring to the gathering, he said politicians have come together at an important time for the country. “A national election was held recently, and through that election the journey of democracy has begun.”
For this democracy, the Prime Minister said, the people of Bangladesh have made sacrifices for more than a decade, facing repression, enforced disappearances and killings.
“Through these sacrifices, through the suffering of thousands and the persecution of many more, we have regained the opportunity to practise freedom of speech and our democratic rights. So first of all, let us express our gratitude to Allah,” he added.
The Prime Minister thanked Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for inviting him to the programme.
At the iftar, the prime minister and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman sat at the same table. Senior leaders of the BNP and Jamaat were also present.
Among those who took part in the programme were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Abdul Moyeen Khan, Ameer of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Mamunul Haque, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer and MP Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, spokesperson of Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) Rashed Prodhan, Member Secretary and MP of Nationalist Citizens Party Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, President of Nagorik Oikya Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Liberal Democratic Party Oli Ahmed, DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem , members of parliament, distinguished persons and journalists, along with people from various professions.