People must be vigilant against those spreading rumours: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on the nation to remain vigilant against those spreading confusion to ensure the country's continued development, progress and the maintenance of peace and order.

He made the appeal as the chief guest at a 'House Handover, Grants and Relief Distribution' event organised for the rehabilitation of families affected by recent floods at the Banshkhali High School and College ground in Chattogram on Sunday, August 9.

The Prime Minister said some people have been trying to spread confusion over the past few days. Everyone must be vigilant against them so that they do not get any opportunity to create disorder or confusion. Those who spread confusion will go their own way after creating chaos, but ultimately the people of the country will be the ones to suffer.

Referring to the government's development plans being presented in parliament, he said the BNP government will present its overall development plans, including power and energy, in parliament. He called on the opposition or anyone else with any plans to present them before the public.

Tarique Rahman said, but do not create disorder in the country by making confusing statements and do not disrupt the peace of the people. The country became independent more than 50 years ago; there is no time to look back now. It is time to work and build the country.

Stating that the government has placed the people at the centre of its core responsibilities, the Prime Minister said the government must stand by the people in times of joy and sorrow. Standing by mothers and sisters, ensuring children's education, ensuring proper treatment for the sick and creating employment opportunities for young people regardless of gender are among the government's key responsibilities.

He said implementation of the promises made in the election manifesto began within a month of the government's formation. The pilot project of the Family Card has been successfully completed and its main activities will begin from the 16th of this month.

The Prime Minister informed that in the 2026-27 fiscal year, Family Cards will be handed over to female heads of nearly 41 lakh families across the country. Around 10 to 12 thousand families in Banshkhali upazila will also come under this benefit.

He also mentioned the introduction of Farmers' Cards alongside Family Cards for women. Besides ordinary farmers, salt farmers will also receive benefits from this card, the Prime Minister said.

He also said a new price for salt will be announced soon to alleviate the financial hardship of salt farmers.

The Prime Minister also outlined plans to develop Chattogram as one of the country's key economic corridors. He said initiatives are being taken to attract domestic and foreign investment, focusing on various areas including Maheshkhali and Mirsarai in Chattogram.

Referring to his visits to various areas of Chattogram including Matarbari, he said the vast sea is a national resource of Bangladesh. Initiatives are being taken to increase investment centred on the Chattogram region. A special zone for Chinese investors has recently been established. He expressed hope that industries will be set up there and a large number of young people will find employment.

Outlining health sector plans, the Prime Minister said the 50-bed hospitals at the upazila level will be upgraded to 101 beds within the next five years. This will ensure more advanced and comprehensive healthcare services for grassroots people.

The Prime Minister also spoke about the current situation in the power and energy sector. He alleged that during the previous government's tenure, the country's energy and power sector was handed over to a handful of individuals.

He said some time is needed to restructure that system, which was developed in an unplanned manner in the interest of a few. The government has already started this work.

Tarique Rahman said, InshaAllah, we will present in parliament a proposal on what Bangladesh's power system will look like in the next 10 years.

He also spoke of plans to build such a power system so that people can get uninterrupted electricity in schools, colleges, hospitals, factories and homes. He also mentioned plans to ease gas supply for vehicles, motorcycles and various other sectors.

Referring to Chattogram's leadership, he called on locals to be patient and cooperate with the government's development activities.

The Prime Minister said two important individuals from Chattogram have been given charge of two important ministries — one at the Finance Ministry and the other at the Home Ministry. Therefore, no one can hold back Chattogram's development.

Tarique Rahman said we cannot lag behind anymore. There is now one goal, one purpose — to improve the living standards of the people and change the destiny of the country.

Seeking public support for the government's plans, he said the source of all of BNP's power is the people. If the people's support remains, it will be possible to implement the programmes taken in the interest of the people.

The Prime Minister also stressed utilising the country's working-age population. He said the labour and workforce of Bangladesh's people must be utilised in nation-building so that every person can change their own and their family's destiny through hard work.

At the end of his speech, calling for unity against confusion, the Prime Minister said, Let us take an oath at today's public gathering that the people of Bangladesh will no longer be confused. The people of Bangladesh will now move forward, the people of Bangladesh will change their own destiny.

The event was addressed by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and State Minister for Relief and Disaster Management Asadul Habib Dulu. Senior BNP leaders, Chattogram district administration officials and a large number of people were present at the event.

Before joining the event, the Prime Minister handed over keys to a new house to a flood-affected family in Baharchhara village of Banshkhali under the programme for constructing new homes for families affected by floods. He also planted a mahogany sapling in the courtyard of the new house. The affected family was also given rice, essential supplies and poultry.