Authoritarian and clandestine forces have rejoined hands: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has affirmed that his administration will enforce equal application of the law with full authority, gradually restoring the rule of law damaged by the previous fascist regime. Addressing a public event on Thursday afternoon at Phulgazi Govt. Pilot High School grounds in Feni, the Prime Minister highlighted his government’s development roadmaps and warned against political factions attempting to instigate unrest through fabricated issues.

“Freedom fighters liberated our nation in 1971, and the public has repeatedly defended democracy, most recently during the 2024 uprising that ousted autocracy,” PM Tarique Rahman declared. “Seventeen years without democracy stalled national prosperity. True progress occurs only under democratic rule. While others lack concrete welfare plans, our government has delivered actionable programs that we are actively implementing.”

During his day-long visit to Feni, the Prime Minister inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kahua Flood Control, Drainage, and Irrigation Project in Parshuram. He participated in a tree plantation drive at Begum Khaleda Zia Female College and inspected the Phulgazi Zila Parishad Dak Bungalow, where he commissioned a 962.5 kW rooftop solar power system spanning government buildings across Phulgazi, Parshuram, and Chhagalnaiya to feed energy into the national grid.

Reconnecting with his maternal roots in Phulgazi, the Prime Minister offered heartfelt remarks to the gathering: “Visiting my maternal home brings me among family. Following my mother’s passing, it is now your responsibility to look after me.”

Reflecting on election promises, he detailed key welfare milestones: honorariums distributed to Imams, Muezzins, and priests; free education extended up to the honors level for female students; and the distribution of Family Cards to 510 mothers in the local ward. Across the country, 100,000 Farmer Cards were distributed, providing agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizer to support farmers.

The Prime Minister outlined broader infrastructure initiatives, including canal excavation drives modeled after former President Ziaur Rahman’s programs to preserve water, manage seasonal flooding, and safeguard agriculture. He also announced plans to upgrade 50-bed subdistrict hospitals to 150-bed facilities over the next five years to ensure baseline healthcare accessibility nationwide.

On economic recovery, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman emphasized attracting domestic and foreign investment to reopen closed industrial plants, creating local employment, and boosting national economic productivity.
He stressed that stability is essential for development: “No enterprise or public welfare project can function amidst chaos. If lawlessness prevails, excavating canals or expanding social safety nets becomes impossible.”
Critiquing opposition political figures, the Prime Minister questioned their lack of constructiveness: “Those chanting single-point demands offer no concrete plans—no Family Cards, no canal dredging, no healthcare expansion. Citizens must remain vigilant against elements attempting to destabilize the nation.”

Addressing religious leaders, he condemned deceptive political tactics, pointing out that factions claiming to guarantee spiritual outcomes commit grave hypocrisy and exploit faith for political leverage.
He further noted that autocratic elements and covert political groups have aligned once again. Despite past oppression of democratic activists, these factions continue to cooperate quietly behind the scenes to secure power rather than serve public interests.

“BNP proves its commitment through action and tangible achievements,” the Prime Minister asserted, reiterating that public welfare remains the party’s sole governance focus.
Warning against covert political motives, he stated: “Those engaged in secret politics lack vision for changing lives. Democratic continuity must be preserved at all costs, and the public will firmly resist any attempt to disrupt national progress.”

The ceremony was presided over by Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee and moderated by BNP Executive Committee member Abu Taleb. Attendees included Environment Minister Abdul Awal Mintoo, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Suman, and local Members of Parliament.
The inaugurated Tk 1,542.16 crore Muhuri-Kahua rehabilitation project (Phase 1), approved by ECNEC on June 16, includes rehabilitating 67.92 km of embankments, conserving 11.73 km of riverbanks, re-excavating 83.50 km of rivers and reservoirs, restoring 27 irrigation structures, and building 77 inlets. Full completion is targeted for 2030.

En route to Feni along the Dhaka-Chittagong Highway, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was greeted by thousands of BNP leaders, activists, and local residents across Cumilla, including Daudkandi, Chandina, Nimshar, Paduar Bazar, and Chauddagram. Extensive four-tier security, involving 1,250 police personnel, ensured a smooth transit.
Simultaneously, the Prime Minister virtually launched the Farmer Card distribution scheme in Hathazari, Chittagong, where 1,108 farmers in Mirzapur Union received cards. Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs State Minister Barrister Mir Md. Helal Uddin attended the local gathering as a special guest.