Jashore, April 27 (V7N) — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon the people to remain alert against attempts to spread confusion and create disorder over the referendum and the July Charter, warning that some individuals and political parties are trying to serve their own interests.  

 

“Some individuals and political parties are now trying to divert the referendum in a different direction and creating disorder by misleading the country’s people,” he said while launching the re-excavation of the historic Ulashi Canal in Sharsha upazila.  

 

The premier cautioned that if chaos is created, government programmes such as Family Cards for women, Farmer Cards for farmers, canal excavation, youth employment initiatives, reopening of mills and factories, rural healthcare delivery, and tree plantation drives would be disrupted.  

 

Rahman assured that the July Charter signed by political parties will be implemented step by step. Reminding of the mass uprising of August 5, he said the people have already proven they will not accept attempts to ignore their will. 

 

Highlighting development initiatives, the Prime Minister urged citizens to engage their “40 crore hands” in building the nation. He cited Singapore’s transformation over 50 years as an example, saying Bangladesh too can change its fate.  

 

Rahman announced plans to make education free for girls up to degree level, with stipends for high achievers, building on earlier initiatives introduced by Begum Khaleda Zia.  

 

The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the re-excavation of the nearly four-kilometer Ulashi Canal, first dug by President Ziaur Rahman in 1976. The project is expected to benefit 20,000 farmers, increase crop production by 1,400 tonnes, and serve 72,000 residents. Around 3,000 trees will be planted along the canal’s banks.  

 

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Water Resources Minister Md Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Forhad Hossain Azad, and State Minister for LGRD Mir Shahe Alam also spoke at the function, chaired by State Minister for Energy Aninda Islam Amit.  

 

END/AJ/RH