PM calls for vigilance against ‘plots to create unrest’

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (17 June) urged people to remain alert against those attempting to create unrest in the country, warning that such instability could disrupt ongoing government welfare programmes.

Speaking at the inauguration of the third phase of Family Card distribution held at the Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal, he said certain groups were trying to destabilise the country and obstruct development initiatives.

“If they get the opportunity to create unrest in the country, we will no longer be able to distribute Family Cards or Farmer Cards,” he said, adding that continued public cooperation was essential to sustain such welfare activities.

Tarique said the BNP’s political goal is to advance the country through development-focused policies, including allocations for Family Cards, Farmer Cards, education and sports, upgrading upazila health complexes to 100-bed facilities and reducing tariffs on essential commodities to ease public pressure.

Criticising opposition voices, he said, “Some people have rejected this budget, comparing it to chanachur (a cheap snack). Can those who call a budget meant for changing people’s lives chanachur-like or anti-people ever be friends of the public? They can never be.”

Reflecting on the party’s history, he noted that whenever neutral elections were held in Bangladesh, voters chose the BNP.

He also praised the leadership of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, saying she had always remained with the people.

“When people rise for democracy, we have seen various individuals flee the country. But Khaleda Zia never abandoned the people. We are the soldiers of Khaleda Zia. This country is our home, and we are working for its development,” he said.

Tarique said, “Money was illegally transferred abroad in the past, and we will not allow such practices to continue.”

He further added that state resources would be used for public welfare.

The event, chaired by Social Welfare Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, also saw the announcement of housing assistance worth Tk2 lakh each for 50 tea workers, alongside educational stipends for around 150 children of tea labourers.

Tarique Rahman said that although it would not be possible to distribute Family Cards to everyone immediately, the government aimed to cover all women tea workers within a year.

He concluded his speech with the slogan: “We will work, we will build the country – Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for all.”