Prime Minister orders reopening of closed factories

BNP Chairperson and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that instructions have been given to concerned authorities to reopen closed factories, and they will be reopened in phases. He made the remarks while addressing a workers' rally organised by the Workers' Party on the occasion of May Day at Nayapaltan in the capital on Friday afternoon, May 1.

The prime minister said the past autocratic government had deprived every citizen of the country of their rights. It made the country's economy import-dependent. It destroyed every sector, from health to education. As a result, in 2024, the entire nation united to oust the autocrats, he added.

He said the government is taking steps to boost foreign investment to create employment for workers and the unemployed. Additionally, employment opportunities will be created both at home and abroad for workers and job seekers. Talks with foreign investors are ongoing.

The government will fulfil all promises made before the election, the prime minister said.

He said the government will not only evict hawkers from footpaths but also make arrangements for their rehabilitation and employment. All pledges made to different professions and classes will be gradually implemented. The time has come to unite to change the fate of farmers, workers, teachers, and all citizens.

The prime minister also announced that professional athletes will be selected through a new talent hunt. The process will officially begin from tomorrow, Saturday, May 2.

Tarique Rahman urged everyone to remain vigilant against certain quarters that are attempting to make Bangladesh controversial on the global stage.

"Whenever Bangladesh has embarked on the path to democracy, certain quarters have been displeased," he said. "These people do not want the fate of the country's people to change. They do not want the country to advance at pace with the world. They have begun conspiring again, just like in the past. They are trying to make Bangladesh controversial and friendless on the global stage," he warned.

He further said vigilance is needed against those who want to create anarchy in the country. The conspiracies must be resisted, and these conspirators must be given a reply just like the autocrats were, he added.

The prime minister paid tribute to 72 workers martyred during the Liberation War of 1971, the anti-autocracy movement of 1990, and the mass uprising of 2024, as well as all workers who died in the country's democratic movements.

He said it is now time to build the country with everyone, including women and men.

The prime minister also announced that he and all cabinet members would be listed as workers.

He called upon everyone to prepare themselves as workers of the nation to build a promised Bangladesh.