Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged the country’s people not to pamper those who are trying to create chaos and mislead people over the referendum and the July National Charter for their own political gains.
“Some individuals and political parties are now trying to divert the referendum in a different direction and create confusion across the country,” he said while addressing a gathering on the bank of the historic Ulashi Canal after inaugurating its re-excavation work in Sharsha upazila of Jashore.
The Prime Minister listed several government initiatives, including family cards for women, farmer cards, canal excavation, reopening of closed mills to create jobs for unemployed youth, expanding healthcare to rural areas and tree plantation drives.
“We have seen that since independence, at different times, certain quarters have tried to create unrest, confusion and disorder in the country. Whenever BNP has taken programmes to improve people’s lives, we have seen how, in the name of movements, a 173-day hartal was enforced. Do you remember how those 173 days were used in an attempt to destroy the country’s economy?” he said.
Tarique Rahman said the same ‘ghost’ has now possessed others again, urging people to remain alert against this quarter.
“You must stay vigilant against those who want to divert the verdict of the referendum and present the July Charter in a misleading way to serve their own political interests,” he said.
The Prime Minister warned that such elements were trying to create disorder in the country, which could obstruct the government’s development programmes and harm public welfare.
“If they are pampered and they succeed in creating chaos, the programmes undertaken for the people’s welfare will be disrupted,” he said.
Tarique Rahman stressed that people themselves must ensure that no one is allowed to undermine the nation’s progress.
“If we remain united and alert, no one will be able to play with the destiny of Bangladesh,” he said.
The Prime Minister also recalled the mass uprising of August 5, 2024, saying people had already shown how they respond to attempts to ignore their will.
“Just as the people gave a fitting reply on August 5, they will do so again in the future if anyone tries to play with their fate,” he added.
Tarique Rahman also highlighted his government’s various development initiatives, expressing confidence that their successful implementation will bring meaningful changes to people’s lives across the country.
“We, who follow Shaheed Zia and are soldiers of Begum Khaleda Zia, believe that this country is our first and last address. That is why we say – Bangladesh first, Bangladesh last,” he said.
The Prime Minister reiterated that his government will gradually implement – word by word – the July Charter as signed by political parties at the South Plaza of Parliament.
Using 40 crore hands to build the nation
The Prime Minister called for mobilising the 40 crore hands of the country’s 20 crore people to build the nation.
“Today, we must take a pledge. The 40 crore hands of 20 crore people cannot remain idle. These hands must be used to build the nation and change the fate of its people. Only then will the destiny of the people of this country change,” he said.
Referring to the progress of different countries, Tarique Rahman said many nations have transformed their fortunes over the past 50 years.
“We often talk about Singapore – its condition in 1971 was worse than ours. Just look where they are today, 50 years later. If they can do it, why can't we? Inshallah, we can. The people of this country can do it,” he said.
Free education for girls up to degree level
The Prime Minister also announced a plan to make education free for girls up to degree level.
He said of Bangladesh’s nearly 20 crore population, half are women, and stressed the need to expand educational opportunities for them.
Referring to past initiatives taken by his mother and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Tarique Rahman said education for girls had earlier been made free up to the school level during her first tenure and later extended to the intermediate level.
“We want to take that programme further…we have decided that, Inshallah, girls’ education will be made free up to the degree level. Not only that, stipends will also be introduced for those who achieve good academic results,” he said.
Inaugurating Ulashi Canal re-excavation work
Earlier, the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the Ulashi Canal re-excavation project by digging soil with a spade and later planted trees along the bank of the canal.
He said the canal had dried up due to siltation, encroachment and lack of maintenance, bringing no benefit to farmers or local residents.
“Nearly 50 years ago, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman excavated this canal. If we can re-excavate about four kilometres of it, water will return to the area,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said around 20,000 farmers will directly benefit from the project, with an estimated additional 1,400 tonnes of food grains to be produced.
The Prime Minister also said about 72,000 people are expected to benefit overall if the canal is revived through re-excavation.
He also announced the government’s plans to plant around 3,000 trees along both sides of the canal.
“When there is water in the canal, local people benefit. Women, in particular, can earn extra income through duck rearing, which is now difficult due to a lack of water,” he added.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad and State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, among others, were present at the programme, with State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit in the chair.