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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has alleged that after the people voted the BNP into power, a certain quarter is attempting to create instability and disrupt development activities.
He made this statement on Saturday afternoon in Trishal, Mymensingh, at the inauguration of the re-excavation program for the historic Dhara Canal, marking the 127th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Referring to several incidents that occurred during the interim government, the Prime Minister stated that during that time, BNP lawyers and doctors stood by the affected people. However, those currently engaged in protests and blockades were not seen in the field then. He said, “Those who are spreading confusion in the country do not talk about farmers, canal excavation, education for rural children, or farmer cards. Their sole objective is to create anarchy.”
Tarique Rahman stated that the Dhara Canal is intrinsically linked to the lives and livelihoods of the people in this region. For a long time, the canal had been filled up and rendered ineffective, causing farmers to face problems such as irrigation crisis, waterlogging, and hampered production. He recalled that approximately 45 years ago, the martyred President Ziaur Rahman himself participated in the excavation activities of this canal. Addressing the elderly, he said that many over sixty years of age might still remember that event.
The Prime Minister informed that once the canal re-excavation is completed, at least 4,300 farmers will directly benefit, and the livelihoods of approximately 20,000 people will see positive changes. He also added that about 2,500 kilometers of canals in Mymensingh district need re-excavation. He mentioned that the BNP government has undertaken these development activities to revitalize the rural economy and agriculture.
He said, “The people have entrusted the BNP with forming the government through their votes. Our goal is to work for the welfare of the people. With canal excavation, farmers will benefit, and people in the villages will benefit.”
In his speech, Tarique Rahman also highlighted the government’s various social security and public welfare programs. He stated that the family-based “Family Card” program has been initiated to empower women, and these cards will be directly delivered to mothers. Simultaneously, the “Farmer Card” program for the country’s farmers has also begun. He informed that these cards would be progressively delivered to approximately 2.65 crore farmers across the country, enabling them to receive direct government assistance.
He stated that the BNP government is not only prioritizing agriculture but also the education sector. A program has been adopted to provide new school dresses and school bags for primary school children in rural areas. He announced that these would be distributed progressively to students across the country starting from July. In his words, the government’s goal is for small children in villages to be able to go to school wearing beautiful clothes.
The Prime Minister further added that honorariums have also been arranged for imams and khateebs of mosques, madrasah teachers, and religious leaders of other faiths. He emphasized that religious individuals play a crucial role in society, and it is the government’s responsibility to ensure their honor and dignity.
Regarding employment for the country’s youth, the Prime Minister said that despite numerous educated young men and women, many lack employment. For this reason, the government has taken the initiative to strengthen technical and vocational education. He also mentioned that new technical training and skill development programs would create employment opportunities for young people at home and abroad.
At one point in his speech, the Prime Minister compared governing the country to managing a family, saying, “Just as a family faces various problems, so does a country. It is not possible to solve all problems in a single day.” He stated that in this vast nation of 20 crore people, development activities are being implemented in phases, and the government wishes to govern the country hand-in-hand with its people.
Referring to a recent child murder incident in the capital, the Prime Minister stated that whoever the culprit is, they must be brought to justice through legal means. However, he alleged that some groups are trying to create an anarchic situation in the country using this incident. He said, “They are trying to disrupt law and order by blocking roads, stopping vehicles, setting fires, and creating tension. They are obstructing the establishment of the rule of law.”
He further stated that if an anarchic situation is created, the government’s development activities will be hampered. Canal re-excavation, Family Cards, Farmer Cards, honorariums for imams and khateebs, and even the distribution of school dresses for children will be obstructed. This will most severely affect the ordinary working people in the villages.
The Prime Minister said that the people of Bangladesh have ousted autocracy through movements. The people have rejected those who snatched away their voting rights and freedom of speech. Now, the people of the country want development and a change in their fortune. He said, “The 40 crore hands of Bangladesh’s 20 crore people must be put to work. New bridges, culverts, schools, colleges, and hospitals must be built. To build the country, everyone must work together in unity.”
At the inauguration ceremony for the canal re-excavation, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Engineer M. Iqbal Hossain, BNP National Executive Committee Member and Trishal MP Dr. Mahbubur Rahman Liton, local BNP leaders, public representatives, farmers, and thousands of common people from various professions were present.