People will resist plot to obstruct polls pledges implementation: PM

CHANDPUR, May 16 (BSS): Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman said on Saturday the country's people would resist any conspiracy to obstruct implementation of the ruling party's electoral commitments.
"As long as the people continue to support us, we -- the BNP -- will, InShaAllah, continue working for the people and the country. We will not deviate from that path even by an inch," he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks while addressing a public gathering around 4:45 pm after inaugurating the re-excavation of 'Bishwa Canal' adjacent to Ghosher Hat in Kumarduli village of Shah Mahmudpur Union of Chandpur Sadar Upazila.
Noting that the government has already started implementing the election manifesto, he said, "Now when we have started canal excavation programme, distributing family cards and farmer cards, giving honorarium allowances for imams and muezzins, and tree plantation campaigns in different parts of the country, a small group of people have begun spreading misleading information and hatching conspiracies."
The premier said the people of Bangladesh made a careful decision in the February 12 election and gave their mandate to BNP.
UNB adds: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman earlier on Saturday announced that a new administrative division would be formed in the name of Cumilla.
He made the announcement at a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar in Barura upazila amid repeated slogans from party leaders and activists demanding Cumilla Division.
"If a division named 'Cumilla' is the demand of the people of this region, Insha'Allah, it will be implemented. A BNP government will fulfil all public demands gradually," Tarique said. He also said the government would discuss with the education ministry soon the issue of establishing an agricultural university in Cumilla.
Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid Yasin raised the demand for Cumilla Division and an agricultural university on behalf of the people of the district during the rally.
Party leaders and activists welcomed the proposals with loud applause.
Housing and Public Works Minister and local MP Zakaria Taher Sumon also demanded upgrading the district hospital from 150 beds to 250-300 beds, alongside the formation of the proposed division.
The Prime Minister addressed the rally while travelling to Chandpur on a day-long visit to attend several programmes.
Recalling his earlier commitment to Barura, Tarique said he had promised during the 2001 election campaign to support the area's development just as he did for his home district Bogura.
"We kept that promise. Many roads, schools, colleges, bridges and culverts were built here for the convenience of local people," he said.
The Prime Minister also referred to the government's decision to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, including interest, as promised before the election.
"Within the first 10 days of forming the government, we fulfilled that promise. Around 1.2 million farmers benefited as both their loans and interests were waived," he said.