PM urges expatriates to focus on serving country

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman urged Bangladeshi expatriates to move beyond a culture of placing demands and instead focus on what they can contribute to the country, calling on them to play a greater role in Bangladesh’s development and rebuilding efforts on Sunday night.

Addressing a view-exchange meeting with members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, he said it is time for all Bangladeshis, both at home and abroad, to think about their responsibilities towards the nation.

“Today, let us move beyond thinking only about our demands and start asking ourselves what our duties are towards the country, what we can do for Bangladesh,” the Prime Minister said.

He joined the meeting with the Bangladeshi expatriates shortly after arriving in Malaysia as part of his first official overseas visit since taking office.

The interaction programme began around 10:45pm local time, where the Prime Minister addressed Bangladeshi expatriates as the chief guest.

His wife Dr Zubaida Rahman was present at the event.

Members of the Prime Minister’s delegation, including cabinet ministers, advisers and senior government officials, also attended the programme.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury was present as well.

The Prime Minister said Bangladeshi expatriates have always made significant contributions to the country and appealed to them to continue supporting national development. “My request to all expatriate brothers and sisters is this: from today, let us think about what we can do for our country. Let that be our guiding thought,” he said.

Referring to what he described as the impact of the past one and a half decades of fascist rule, Tarique Rahman said a particular group had continuously exploited the country.

“A group of people kept taking from the country until it was pushed towards destruction. What is done is done. There was little we could do, though we tried. People shed their blood to free the country from the fascist rule,” he said

“Now let us all focus on what we can do for the country together. Let us remain committed to that. I wish everyone good health and well-being,” the Prime Minister added.

During the interaction, Tarique Rahman outlined his government's plans and priorities, including major welfare programmes such as the Family Card and Farmers’ Card initiatives, as well as projects aimed at improving rural infrastructure and reviving canals.

“I have shared my thoughts and plans with you. If you believe these ideas can help move the country forward, then I seek your support and trust,” he said.

Addressing concerns raised by expatriates, the Prime Minister said Bangladeshis living abroad must respect and follow the laws of their host countries.

“You must abide by the laws of the country where you live. We will discuss your legitimate concerns with the relevant authorities and try to resolve them, but every country has its own laws and regulations. We must recognise that reality,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said his government inherited a country facing serious challenges, including a heavy debt burden, widespread corruption and weakened state institutions.

“We had to begin work amid enormous difficulties. The education system, healthcare system, electoral process and economic structure all required major reforms,” he said.

Despite the challenges, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future.

“I firmly believe Bangladesh has a very bright future ahead. But to achieve that future, we will need hard work, sacrifice and patience,” he said.

At one stage of the discussion, when several expatriates raised questions simultaneously, Tarique Rahman urged them to remain patient and respectful.

“If everyone speaks at once, no one can understand anything. Problems cannot be solved that way. We need to build a culture of patience and tolerance,” he said.

Recalling difficulties faced by his family in the past, the Prime Minister said personal suffering should not be allowed to shape public policy.

“Today I am Prime Minister. If I wanted, I could act out of personal vengeance. But that would not benefit the country or its people,” he said, adding that the country could only move forward if citizens embrace a sense of collective responsibility.

“If we always focus only on what the country owes us, progress will be difficult. Instead, let us think about what we owe to the country,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Tarique Rahman called on Bangladeshi expatriates to become active partners in rebuilding and developing the nation.

“Let our commitment be this: not what Bangladesh can do for us, but what we can do for Bangladesh,” he said, seeking the prayers and support of expatriates for the successful implementation of the government's reform and development agenda.

Earlier in the evening, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Kuala Lumpur at around 8:35pm local time on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. He went to the hotel on completion of the airport formalities.

The visit marks Tarique Rahman’s first state visit abroad since assuming office as Prime Minister.