Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the people of Bangladesh will resist any attempt to obstruct the implementation of the government’s election pledges.

“If anyone tries to obstruct this work (implementation of polls pledges) or derail it, we do not need to do anything—people of Bangladesh themselves will defeat their plan and their conspiracy, I believe,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks on Saturday afternoon at a public gathering in Sadar upazila of Chandpur, where he inaugurated the re-excavation of historic “Bishwa Khal” canal in Kumarduli village.

He said the government has already started several development programmes including canal excavation, family cards, farmer cards, financial support for imams and muezzins and tree plantation drives as per BNP’s election promises.

The Prime Minister said these initiatives have received public support following the 12th general election.

“Today, in front of thousands of people, I want to clearly say that the support we have received from people will guide us. We will implement those tasks one by one and we will carry out those plans step by step.”

However, Tarique alleged that some vested quarters have been spreading confusion about these programmes.

He urged everyone to stay alert so that development projects are not disrupted due to plots by any quarter.

Tarique said the government is committed to improving the lives of ordinary people, especially farmers, women, religious workers and the unemployed.

He called on everyone to unite in a pledge, saying that the implementation of these programmes would help improve the lives of people in the country.

Tarique urged everyone to remain alert and aware, and not to fall into the traps of those who spread confusion.

Addressing the thousands present, the Prime Minister asked what harm would come if these initiatives are stopped.

He said the real victims would not be those spreading misinformation, but ordinary working people.

Tarique also said all employment generation programmes for the unemployed must be protected from any form of disruption.

He said the main goal before his government is one and clear — to rebuild the country and improve the lives of its people, and that work has already begun.

The Prime Minister said his party always believes that people are the source of all political strength.

He also said as long as people continue to support the government it will keep working for people and for the country without moving even a single step away from that commitment.

“Let us all, from today’s canal re-excavation programme, take a pledge together — that this country is ours. It was made independent in 1971 through the sacrifices and struggle of our freedom fighters. Now it is our responsibility to build this country,” the Prime Minister said.

He said at different times, the rights of the people were ignored, but the people of Bangladesh have shed their blood to establish their rights.

 “Now is the time for nation-building, now is the time to rebuild the country. Now, together, we will build our beloved motherland as per the desire of the people,” Tarique said.

Local Member of Parliament and district BNP president Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik also spoke at the event.

Earlier, the Prime Minister formally launched the canal re-excavation work by cutting the soil by a spade in front of a large crowd.