Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday urged people to remain vigilant against those conspiring to undermine the country's rebuilding efforts, saying the time has come to move beyond protests and focus on fulfilling people's aspirations.
Speaking at a discussion marking the 2nd anniversary of the July Revolution, he also said the success of the July uprising belongs to the people of Bangladesh, not to any individual or political party, as he reaffirmed his government's commitment to rebuilding the country and protecting the democratic rights for which people had fought and sacrificed.
"There have been movements, struggles, discussions and debates. Now is the time to rebuild the country and move it forward. We must patiently and calmly remain alert to those who want to create conspiracies and make the people aware of such attempts," Tarique Rahman said.
BNP organised the discussion titled "Seventeen Years of Relentless Struggle for Democracy and the Blood-soaked July Awakening" at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital.
The event was chaired by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
The Prime Minister said the government will gradually implement the plans it had placed before the people for rebuilding the country.
"The people now want us to deliver on our promises. They want peace on the streets, education for their children, healthcare, security and employment or business opportunities according to their abilities. This is what the people expect," he said.
Tarique Rahman said people also want to be able to exercise their political rights at the proper time.
"We have seen many things in newspapers over the past few days. I do not think any citizen who believes in democracy wants such things to happen in the country. Let us devote ourselves to fulfilling the aspirations of the people," he said.
The Prime Minister said various attempts were made to mislead people about the July movement.
“We have made our position absolutely clear from the very beginning – the credit for the success of the July movement belongs to the people of this country from all walks of life. It is not the credit of any individual or any single political party,” he said.
Recalling the movement, Tarique Rahman said people from all walks of life had united for change, making the movement successful.
He said BNP and other democratic political parties remained on the streets throughout the past 17 years and never abandoned the people during the struggle against what he described as an authoritarian regime.
"The July-August movement succeeded because the people wanted change. Just as Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 because the people wanted an independent and sovereign country, the July uprising succeeded because the people stood together," the Prime Minister said.
He said the ultimate goal of every democratic movement in the country's history, from the Liberation War to the July uprising, had been to establish the people's political and economic rights.
Tarique Rahman said those rights include the freedom to speak, express opinions and elect representatives through a free and fair voting process, alongside ensuring employment opportunities and economic security for citizens.
He said BNP had first placed its reform proposals before the nation under the leadership of party Chairperson Khaleda Zia, which later evolved into the party's 31-point state reform agenda following consultations with other political parties.
The Prime Minister said the people endorsed the reform proposals by giving BNP a mandate in the last election. "This is no longer BNP's 31-point agenda. It has become the people's 31-point agenda," he said.
He said the government inherited a fragile economy, a weakened healthcare system, a divided administration and a severely damaged education sector after assuming office.
Tarique Rahman said the situation became even more difficult with the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East shortly after the new government took office.
Acknowledging public suffering over gas and electricity shortages, he said the government is working continuously to overcome the crisis.
The Prime Minister said Bangladesh has already started discussions with Myanmar on gas imports and is also negotiating with Malaysia's state-owned energy company Petronas to secure liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies.
He said Petronas has indicated it is trying to begin supplying LNG to Bangladesh by October despite its existing commitments.
Tarique Rahman said the government is also working to supply gas to several power plants, which could quickly add around 4,000 megawatts of electricity to the national grid.
He accused the previous government of neglecting the country's energy sector and weakening state-owned Bangladesh Petroleum Exploration and Production Company Limited (BAPEX) by relying heavily on foreign companies instead of expanding domestic exploration.
The Prime Minister said his government has already taken steps to strengthen BAPEX by procuring two drilling rigs to boost gas exploration inside the country.
He also stressed the need to invest in young people through sports, education, science and cultural activities to keep them away from drugs and other harmful activities.
Tarique Rahman said creating opportunities for the younger generation to develop their talents will be more effective than relying only on law enforcement or treatment programmes.
Calling on party leaders and activists to focus on serving the people rather than seeking personal gains, he said the government's priority is to deliver on its commitments and fulfil the aspirations of the people.
"The people have entrusted us with this responsibility. Our duty now is to deliver, rebuild the country and ensure peace, education, healthcare, employment, security and democratic rights for every citizen," the Prime Minister said.
He also assured continued support for those injured and affected during the July movement, saying the government will provide treatment, rehabilitation and employment opportunities within its capacity.
Tarique Rahman concluded by paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the Liberation War, democratic movements over the years and the July uprising, and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.