Voted BNP or not, all equal before govt: PM
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that every citizen of Bangladesh, whether they voted for BNP or not, enjoys equal rights before the government.
In a televised address to the nation at around 9:45pm on Wednesday, the newly elected Prime Minister said the state belongs to all.
“As the head of the government, I want to draw the attention of the countrymen to one issue. Those who voted for BNP or did not vote for anyone to give us the opportunity to form the government, all of you have equal rights before this government,” he said.
‘This country belongs to all of us’
Beginning his speech by thanking Allah, Tarique said the country had entered a new phase through the people’s mandate.
“We have been able to protect the independence and sovereignty of the country at the cost of the lives of thousands of martyrs. A new government accountable to the people has started its journey with the votes of the people,” he said.
He described the moment as a return to democracy and human rights, adding that regardless of party, religion, caste or whether people live in the hills or plains, the country belongs to everyone.
“Our goal is to build a self-reliant, safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh,” he said.
Law and order, anti-corruption drive top priority
The Prime Minister acknowledged that the new administration has taken charge amid what he called a fragile economy, weakened governance and deteriorating law and order.
He said restoring peace and security and strictly controlling corruption would be the government’s immediate priorities.
Tarique also identified the spread of gambling and drugs as key factors behind the worsening law and order situation. Law enforcement agencies, he said, have been instructed to take strict action.
“Not party influence or power, but the rule of law will be the final word in running the state,” he added.
Ramadan appeal: No profiteering
With Ramadan beginning on Thursday, the Prime Minister extended his greetings and urged restraint in business practices.
“Ramadan is a month of self-purification. People’s suffering should not increase during this month,” he said, appealing to traders not to treat the holy month as a time for excessive profit.
He warned against market syndicates and vowed to break networks of irregularities and lawlessness.
The government, he said, is ready to hear suggestions from business communities on how to keep prices stable and protect the interests of both buyers and sellers.
He also instructed authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas, water and electricity supply during Iftar, Tarawih and Sehri, urging citizens to avoid wasteful consumption.
Austerity for MPs, reform for transport
Tarique said he wanted to set an example by encouraging restraint within his own party.
In the first meeting of the BNP parliamentary party, it was decided that BNP MPs would not import tax-free cars or take plot allocations under government benefits, he said.
Turning to urban challenges, the Prime Minister described traffic congestion in divisional cities, especially Dhaka, as nearly unmanageable.
He announced plans to reorganise the activities of the Railways, Shipping, Roads and Bridges ministries and to revamp the national rail network. The aim, he said, is to make rail travel affordable, safe and efficient so that people can work and conduct business from their own districts without being forced to relocate to the capital.
Youth, skills and the future
Highlighting the country’s demographic potential, Tarique said Bangladesh’s large population could become a major strength if transformed into a skilled workforce.
“The world has entered the era of artificial intelligence. To survive with dignity in this competitive world, we must become skilled in knowledge, science and technology,” he said.
He assured students and young people that the government is committed to creating employment opportunities and a supportive working environment.
Recalling his return to the country after 18 years and his pledge that “I have a plan”, the Prime Minister said the responsibility now lies with the government to fulfil its election promises.
“We have started implementing our plans and commitments. We expect your continued support,” he said.
Concluding his address, Tarique again stressed that party affiliation or belief does not define citizenship.
“Party affiliation is everyone’s own. The state belongs to all. As Bangladeshi citizens, you, every citizen, and I have equal rights in this country,” he said, praying for guidance and success at the start of Ramadan.