Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday alleged that a quarter is trying to exploit the recent killing of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter to create unrest in the country, urging people to remain alert against any conspiracy aimed at disrupting development activities and the rule of law.

Speaking at a gathering of local residents after inaugurating the re-excavation work of Dharar Khal in Trishal upazila, he said anyone found guilty would be punished through due legal process, as his government is committed to establishing the rule of law.

“A few days ago, a very unjust and deeply heartbreaking incident took place in which a child was killed. You have all seen it. From the very beginning, we have said that anyone who commits a crime must face punishment under the law. We want to establish the rule of law,” he said.

He also said his government would endeavour to ensure the execution of justice in this case within one month. He then clarified that justice in this case means the death penalty.   

He said every activity in life follows a system and rules must be followed in governance and justice as well.

Just as in any case of wrongdoing, Tarique said punishment must follow due process, and there are established rules and procedures within the government for ensuring justice.

“But we have noticed in recent days, as you have seen in newspapers, radio and television, that some people are trying to create unrest by blocking roads, stopping vehicles, setting fire and creating tension in different places,” he said.

The Prime Minister said such unruly activities are obstructing the rule of law. “Are they allowing the law to function properly as it should? No, they are not.”

He said several untoward incidents took place when the interim government was in power.

“When those incidents occurred, I personally spoke with the mothers of those children. Our party’s lawyers and doctors provided medical treatment and legal assistance at that time,” Tarique said.

But, he said those who are now speaking loudly, staging blockades and making big statements were not seen in the field at that time.

“They were not seen taking part in any protest or blockade then. So, should we assume that since the people of Bangladesh voted for BNP in the 12th election and gave them the mandate to form the government, some are now frustrated, and this frustration is the reason behind the current situation?” the Prime Minister said.

He also claimed there are connections between those currently trying to create anarchy and  the evil forces ousted by the people through a mass uprising in 2024.

“We must remain alert. Read newspapers, check social media and look into who is behind these activities.  Those who are now trying to create unrest have again quietly built ties with the people who were driven out on August 5. Just as they did in 1996 and in 1986, some new followers have also emerged alongside them,” Tarique said.

Warning against unrest, he said such situations would ultimately harm farmers, workers, students and ordinary citizens across the country.

The Prime Minister alleged that those trying to create unrest are not concerned about farmers, employment or welfare activities.

“They do not talk about canal excavation for farmers, farmers’ cards, or how poor village children walk barefoot to school. They do not talk about providing new clothes for those children,” he said.

Warning against instability, Tarique said unrest would disrupt many welfare and development programmes across the country.

“If unrest is created, canal excavation work across Bangladesh will stop. Farmers will suffer. Distribution programmes will stop. Honorary allowances for imams, muezzins, khatibs and religious leaders of other faiths will also be affected,” he said.

He also said programmes to provide school uniforms and bags for village children would be disrupted if roads are blocked and instability continues.

“We removed authoritarian rule from this country through united movements. The people and students of Bangladesh stood together on the streets and removed a regime that had taken away people’s voting rights, freedom of speech and halted development for ordinary rural people,” Tarique said.

The Prime Minister said the people of Bangladesh now want to focus on nation-building and improving their livelihoods.

He also said that to bring real change in people’s lives, the strength and labour of the country’s 20 crore population must be properly utilised, adding that only then could the nation’s future be transformed.

Tarique also said that BNP’s plans are focused on the country and its people, but alleged that some groups were trying to obstruct those initiatives through conspiracies.

“If we want to change people’s fate, we must put the 40 crore hands of our 20 crore people to work. We must build roads, bridges, schools, colleges and hospitals through collective effort,” he said.

The Prime Minister urged people to remain vigilant against those spreading confusion and obstructing justice and public welfare programmes.

“We must remember that the people are the owners of this country. A small group cannot be allowed to create confusion and play with the future of the people,” he said.

“Those who stand beside the people and work for them will ultimately be protected by the people of Bangladesh against any conspiracy,” Tarique added.

He also said the country’s independence, sovereignty and national interests must be protected by its own people.

“Our country is our responsibility. We will protect our independence, sovereignty and people’s interests, and resist any conspiracy,” the Prime Minister said.

Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and local leaders also addressed the programme with  Mymensingh-7 lawmaker Mahbubur Rahman Liton in the chair.

Earlier, the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque at the canal site and later inaugurated the re-excavation work by cutting soil with a spade.

He also planted a palm sapling beside the canal.