Those talking big today were nowhere to be seen on the streets over the past 17 years: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman has urged the public to remain vigilant and continue the politics aimed at transforming people's fortunes through the implementation of various government programs. He cautioned that there are many rumor-mongers and miscreants in the country, emphasizing that their past actions and future roles must be closely monitored.

He made these remarks while addressing a massive rally as the chief guest at the Old Stadium in Kishoreganj on Sunday (August 16) afternoon.

"If we want to sustain this political trend—a trend that changes the fate of the country's people—we must remain cautious," the Prime Minister said.

"There are many confusion-spreaders and rumor-mongers in the country; we must stay alert regarding them. We must look at what they have done in the past. Considering that past, we must keep them in our sights and watch what they do in the future," he added.

Tarique Rahman noted that the public has witnessed the roles played by various political parties in 1971, 1986, 1996, and during the movements of the past 17 years. "We did not see them on the streets during the people's movement of the past 17 years. It was the leaders and activists of BNP and the political parties allied with BNP who faced oppression, torture, enforced disappearances, and killings on the ground."

"Those who are talking big today, and trying to mislead the people against the BNP government, were nowhere to be seen on the streets over the past 17 years," he stated.

Addressing the issue of reforms, the Prime Minister said, "Today they are talking endlessly about reforms. BNP proposed reforms back in 2022. Where were you then with your reform ideas? Reforms were first presented to the people of this country by the BNP under the leadership of Khaleda Zia."

He stressed that the country's stability must be maintained at all costs. "Do not get confused by the words of any miscreants. If they attempt to confuse you like they did in the past, give them a fitting reply: 'We have seen your past, we know your past, we know what you did. Therefore, we will not lend an ear to your words.'"

At the rally, the Prime Minister stated that the BNP government does not want to turn Bangladesh into any other foreign model; rather, it aims to build a welfare state where people from every socio-economic background receive state support according to its capacity and the dignity they deserve.

"We do not want to make Bangladesh like any other country; we want to build Bangladesh as a welfare state where people from more or less every class will receive state assistance and support based on its capacity—a state where every single person receives what they are duly owed from the state," he said.

He further noted that BNP's politics revolve around the people and the country. Instead of claiming development merely by building a few roads and buildings, the government is prioritizing the enhancement of people's living standards and economic capability.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining peace and stability to successfully implement the government's initiatives, the Prime Minister urged patience from citizens.

"To deliver 'Family Cards' to female heads of four crore families nationwide, provide allowances for imams and muezzins, distribute school uniforms and other assistance to students, and establish new factories to create employment, everyone must exercise patience and maintain peace in the country," he said.

Referring to agreements signed with China, he mentioned that the establishment of several mills and factories in Chattogram will generate employment opportunities for the nation's youth.

Tarique Rahman remarked that this is the time to build the nation. Just as the country was liberated through war in 1971 and democracy was protected whenever threatened, the public must now focus on nation-building.

"The owners of this country are its 20 crore people. Therefore, these 20 crore people must remain aware and vigilant today, so that no one can disrupt the political trajectory of the BNP that I just outlined for you," he said.

Concluding his address, the Prime Minister sought public support for nationwide initiatives including the distribution of family cards, agricultural cards, allowances for imams, priests, and other religious institution representatives, financial aid for meritorious students, the sick, the destitute, and individuals with physical disabilities, and the expansion of agricultural development and employment-generating industries.

During the rally, the Prime Minister officially inaugurated the nationwide distribution of 'Family Cards', grants for students and vulnerable individuals, and honorariums for religious leaders.