Kishoreganj, Aug 17 (V7N)- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged people to remain cautious about those who, he said, attempt to mislead the public through misinformation and slander.
“There are many misleaders and slanderers in the country. We have to be careful about them,” the prime minister said. He called on people to examine their past activities and remain watchful of their actions in the future.
Tarique Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a family card distribution ceremony and an event honouring religious figures, including imams, muezzins, priests and monks, at the old Kishoreganj Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
He said maintaining stability in the country was essential and urged people not to be misled by the statements of those seeking to create confusion.
The prime minister also criticised the role of certain groups during past political crises, saying their previous activities should be taken into consideration. He claimed that some groups had played no role in the streets during the 1971 Liberation War, the political developments of 1986 and 1996, and democratic movements over the past 17 years.
Referring to the BNP's movement during that period, he alleged that party leaders and activists and those of its allied organisations had faced disappearances, killings, torture and other forms of repression.
‘BNP first proposed reform outline in 2022’
Speaking about the ongoing debate over state reforms, Tarique Rahman said those who had remained absent from political movements for years were now creating confusion by speaking prominently about reforms.
He said the BNP was the first to present an outline for state reforms to the people in 2022, while an earlier reform proposal had also been put forward under the leadership of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Focus on welfare and economic self-reliance
Highlighting the government's priorities, the prime minister said the effective implementation of Family Cards and Krishak Cards, social allowances for imams and muezzins, and development of the younger generation must be accelerated.
He said the government aims to modernise agriculture, establish new mills, factories and industries and create employment opportunities for young people.
“No country can move forward by leaving its people behind,” Tarique Rahman said, stressing the need to make citizens economically self-reliant.
He said the government's objective was to build Bangladesh as a self-reliant and welfare-oriented state, where people from every section of society would receive state support according to their needs, dignity and capabilities.
Emphasis on women, farmers and youth
The prime minister said women account for half of the country's population and Bangladesh cannot progress without their advancement.
He described the Family Card initiative as a major programme aimed at empowering women and strengthening the economic foundation of families. He also reiterated the government's plan to provide free education to women up to graduation level and support students who achieve good results.
Regarding agriculture, Tarique Rahman said making farmers economically self-reliant remains a priority. He said agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, had already been waived, benefiting around 1.3 million farmers.
He also announced plans for a 250-kilometre canal-digging programme across the country to improve irrigation and address water shortages.
On education, the prime minister said students should not be judged only by academic certificates. He stressed the importance of sports, cultural activities and language skills in developing well-rounded citizens.
He also announced the revival of the ‘New Bud’ competition, originally launched during the tenure of former president Ziaur Rahman, saying opportunities would be created to identify and develop talent.
Support for religious figures and teachers
Tarique Rahman said special social allowances were being provided to imams, muezzins, khatibs and other religious figures because of their role in guiding society.
He added that government assistance for poor and disabled people and talented students would continue.
The prime minister also said the government had resolved complications surrounding retirement benefits for 123,000 teachers who had been deprived of the allowances during the previous government and had completed the payment process.
Concluding his remarks, Tarique Rahman said the BNP's politics was focused on changing people's lives through employment creation, education support, increased agricultural production and industrial development.
He said the government was implementing its election pledges in phases and would continue working toward the welfare and economic self-reliance of the people.
END/SMA/AJ
