PM pledges to build strong, prosperous BD

DINAJPUR, Mar 16 (UNB): Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday pledged to transform Bangladesh into a beautiful, prosperous, economically and politically strong country with the support of its people, saying that his government has begun nation-building work through a nationwide canal-restoration programme.

Addressing a public rally near Sahapara canal in Kaharol upazila after inaugurating the canal-excavation and re-excavation programme, he also urged people to remain alert against those attempting to create chaos and mislead them with sweet words.

"We have started the work to build the nation through the canal-excavation programme… We want to create a Bangladesh where people can assert their own rights and where the country will be strong both economically and politically. This is the Bangladesh we aim to build," Tarique Rahman said.

He also emphasised that the people of Bangladesh are the true owners of the country and that with their support, the nation can be successfully developed.

"Many of you have relatives living abroad. When you speak to them, they often praise other countries and describe how beautiful those places are. But it is the people of those countries who have built and developed their nations, not outsiders… If they could do it, why can't we? Inshallah, we can do it too," the Prime Minister said.

He recalled the heroic efforts of the people who fought for the country's independence in 1971 and the students who ended dictatorship through the 2024 mass uprising.

"It was the people of this country who doubled food production through efforts like irrigation and canal digging during the tenure of martyred Ziaur Rahman. If they could achieve so much, surely we can build the future Bangladesh," Tarique said.

He pointed out that public support and proper planning are essential to move the country forward. "We must remain alert and vigilant against those who attempt to create disorder in the country through false narratives and misleading remarks. We need to be careful, as many speak sweet words but aim to confuse and mislead people."

The Prime Minister stressed that the government's plans are aimed at benefiting farmers, empowering women, ensuring better healthcare, improving education for the next generation, and creating employment opportunities in agriculture and industry.

"But I cannot do this alone. I need the people's support. Just as you supported the BNP's symbol, the sheaf of paddy, during elections, your continued support is pivotal. Without the backing of the people, national development is not possible, because people are the true source of all power," he said.

The Prime Minister also said with the support of people, any plan can be successfully implemented. "I always say one thing: we will work and build the nation, as Bangladesh comes first. Let us build that Bangladesh together. Let this be our pledge and our oath today."

"Once the re-excavation is fully completed, Sahapara canal will supply water to around 31,000 farmers and benefit nearly 350,000 people. About 1,200 hectares of land will receive irrigation from this canal. Farmers in this area will see increased crop production, potentially producing 60,000 tonnes more than at present," he said.

Tarique added that the canal will also support fish farming, conserve water during the dry season, and provide opportunities for tree planting along its banks. "Once the re-excavation is complete, I will return to see the canal again."

The Prime Minister also highlighted other election pledges, including launching the Family Card programme, waiving agricultural loans (up to Tk 10,000 with interest), distributing agriculture cards in April, and creating employment opportunities.

"Do you think these initiatives will change people's lives? We believe they will… The BNP's politics is about improving people's lives. We want to take steps that will double people's income. This is the aim of our politics-the politics of martyred Ziaur Rahman, the politics of Khaleda Zia, and the politics of your elected BNP government," he said.

The Prime Minister said most of Bangladesh's nearly 200 million people live in rural areas and agriculture is their main livelihood, making it essential to build the sector on a strong foundation.

He also mentioned plans to develop agro-based industries in the agriculture-dependent northern region.

Tarique said discussions are underway with major agro-processing companies, and a meeting will be held with them after Eid to take initiatives to establish agro-based mills and industries in areas including Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh.

Changing people's fates is the core goal of the BNP, he said, adding that the current government also wants to stand by the farmers.

"Our goal is to support farmers. Shaheed Zia and Khaleda Zia were friends of farmers, and the present BNP government elected by you is also a friend of farmers. If farmers do well, the people of Bangladesh will also do well. That is why we want to strengthen agriculture and build the country's farming sector on a strong foundation."

The public rally was jointly organised by the Water Resources Ministry and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister AZM Zahid Hossain, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain, among others, spoke at the event. Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated the nationwide canal excavation and re-excavation programme by digging soil with a spade at Sahapara canal.

The nearly 12-kilometre Sahapara canal was originally excavated in 1977 by then President Ziaur Rahman, father of Tarique Rahman.

Just like his father, the Prime Minister personally dug the soil with a spade to launch the programme on Monday. Dressed in a polo shirt, jeans and sneakers, Tarique Rahman wore a red-and-green cap inscribed with the slogan 'Bangladesh First'.

Through this event, he formally launched the canal excavation and re-excavation programme in 54 districts across the country, including the Sahapara canal.

Later, he planted several trees along the banks of the canal.

As part of the countrywide canal restoration programme, ministers and state ministers also inaugurated the programme in various districts on the day.

Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated Bamansundar canal re-excavation project in Mirsarai of Chattogram.

Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir launched the excavation of the Champatoli canal in Osmaninagar upazila of Sylhet district.