Obstructers of public programmes will be countered with people’s support: PM

Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman has said that any attempts to obstruct the party’s public welfare programmes—such as canal excavation, family cards, farmer cards, and athlete development programmes—would be countered with public support.

He made the remarks at a public rally held at the open stage of Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail on Tuesday afternoon.

“The people of Bangladesh have entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of running the country. The July Charter, which BNP signed first, will be implemented—there will be no deviation,” Tarique Rahman said.

He criticised parties that hesitated to sign the charter earlier but later endorsed it after the election. “If they were so committed, why didn’t they sign it in the first place?” he questioned.

“We must remain alert to identify who is trying to create instability and where the ghosts of authoritarianism are re-emerging,” he added.

Highlighting BNP’s reform agenda, Tarique Rahman said the party had long been advocating reforms. He noted that BNP first presented a reform outline in 2016 under Khaleda Zia’s leadership and later announced a 31-point reform plan in 2023 in coordination with other political parties.

He claimed that around 85 per cent of the proposals by the current reform commission under the interim government align with BNP’s earlier recommendations.

Emphasising democratic principles, he said differences of opinion are natural but must be resolved through dialogue. “You present your arguments, I will present mine—if yours is correct, I will accept it,” he said.

Calling Bangladesh the country’s only home, Tarique Rahman said, “This country is our identity and final refuge. Together, with unity and responsibility, we will build a prosperous and expected Bangladesh.”