United News of Bangladesh

Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Sunday expressed hope that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will emerge as the country’s unchallenged leader through his work. “If all of us can gain the people’s confidence, Tarique Rahman will become the unchallenged leader of Bangladesh through his work,” said the minister. Tuku, also a BNP standing committee member, made the remarks at a discussion meeting marking the 20th imprisonment day of Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Press Club organised by the Uttaranchal Chhatra Forum. He said BNP leaders and activists also must earn the trust of the people like thier party chief. “Today our leader Tarique Rahman is the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and has taken responsibility for running the country. In this short time, through his conduct and work, he has become a place of trust for people,” he said. He said their party believes Tarique Rahman will remain a guiding figure in the country’s politics for many years, just as Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia continue to inspire people. Fuel reserves rise with arrival of two ships, rationing to continue: Minister The minister urged everyone to pray during the holy month of Ramadan so that Tarique Rahman can continue to play a strong role in the country’s political journey. Recalling the events of the 1/11 political changeover, the BNP Standing Committee member said the period was created to weaken the nationalist forces. “During that time Tarique Rahman and many of us were arrested and subjected to various forms of pressure. But despite the pressure and temptations, they could not force Tarique Rahman to compromise,” he said. Tuku said the current government inherited a fragile and debt-ridden system from the previous administration but is trying to stabilise it through collective efforts. He also said the people of Bangladesh have shown their confidence in the leadership of Tarique Rahman by giving the party a strong mandate in the last election. Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atikur Rahman Rumon also spoke at the programme and recalled the circumstances of Tarique Rahman’s arrest in 2007, saying he was detained unjustly and subjected to severe torture while in custody. Tarique Rahman was arrested from his residence on Moinul Road in Dhaka Cantonment on March 7, 2007 by joint forces during the military-backed caretaker government. He remained in prison for nearly 18 months before being released on bail on September 3, 2008. Later, he went to London for advanced treatment.