Staff Reporter

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on April 27 called on the people of the country to stay vigilant against what he described as deliberate attempts to create confusion and instability surrounding the upcoming referendum and the “July Charter.” He alleged that certain individuals and political parties were attempting to distort national discourse for their own political advantage.

Speaking at a brief public gathering after inaugurating the re-excavation work of the historic Ulashi Canal in Sharsha upazila of Jashore district, he warned that misinformation and political manipulation over sensitive national issues could undermine ongoing development initiatives.

According to him, “Some individuals and political parties are now trying to divert the referendum in a different direction and creating disorder by misleading the country’s people.” He further emphasized that citizens must remain cautious about those who, in his words, are attempting to misrepresent the referendum process and the July Charter to serve narrow political interests.

During his address, Tarique Rahman stressed that public awareness and responsibility were essential to maintaining national stability. He urged citizens to remain alert so that the democratic process is not undermined by misinformation campaigns or politically motivated distortions.

He stated that if disorder is allowed to spread for political gain, it would directly impact several government-led development initiatives aimed at improving public welfare. These include social protection programs such as Family Cards for women, Farmer Cards for agricultural workers, rural healthcare services, youth employment creation schemes, canal excavation and irrigation projects, reopening of closed mills and factories, and environmental initiatives such as tree plantation drives.

“These programs are designed for the people. If chaos is created for political benefit, all of these initiatives will be disrupted,” he said, adding that national progress depends on maintaining continuity and stability in development work.

He further noted that citizens themselves must take responsibility in ensuring that the country’s advancement is not hindered by political conflict or disruption.

Tarique Rahman also addressed the “July Charter,” stating that it would be implemented in a phased and structured manner. He reiterated that political commitments made under the charter would be fulfilled step by step.

“The July Charter signed by political parties will be fully implemented step by step,” he said, indicating that the government remains committed to executing its provisions in an orderly fashion.

His remarks were intended to reassure supporters that agreed political frameworks would not be abandoned or delayed, despite what he described as attempts by some groups to misrepresent or politicize the process.

Referring to the political developments surrounding the August 5 mass uprising, Tarique Rahman claimed that the people of the country had previously demonstrated their refusal to accept any attempt to override public will.

He said that the events of that period showed the strength of public sentiment and warned that similar responses could be expected in the future if any group attempted to undermine the aspirations of ordinary citizens.

“The people have already proven that they do not accept any attempt to ignore their will,” he said, adding that public reaction in the past served as a clear message to political actors.

In his speech, the BNP chairman also highlighted a range of government development initiatives, describing them as central to improving living standards across the country. He argued that successful implementation of these programs would bring significant positive change to the lives of ordinary citizens.

He encouraged national unity in support of development efforts, emphasizing that economic and social progress depended on collective participation rather than political division.

“We must ensure that these programmes are implemented successfully so that positive changes come in the lives of the people,” he said.

Tarique Rahman also made an appeal for increased national productivity, urging citizens to contribute actively to the country’s development. He used a metaphorical expression calling for the transformation of “20 crore hands into 40 crore hands,” emphasizing that every individual should play a role in nation-building.

“We must take an oath today. The 40 crore hands of 20 crore people cannot remain idle. These hands must be engaged in building the country and changing the fate of its people,” he said.

He argued that the country’s human resources are its greatest asset and that coordinated effort could transform economic and social conditions.

Drawing comparisons with other countries, Tarique Rahman noted that several nations had experienced significant transformations over the past five decades. He cited Singapore as an example, stating that its economic condition in 1971 had been worse than that of Bangladesh, yet it had since achieved remarkable development.

“If they can do it, why can’t we? InShAllah, we can too,” he said, expressing confidence that Bangladesh also has the potential for substantial progress if national efforts are properly directed.

The BNP leader also reiterated his party’s long-standing position that it is committed to improving the lives of the people through political action and governance. He alleged that at various times since independence, efforts to implement reform programs had been met with unrest, confusion, and political disruption.

He referred to historical political movements, including extended strikes and protests, claiming that such actions had at times negatively affected the national economy and public life.

“We have seen how attempts were made to destroy the country’s economy for extended periods through strikes,” he said, adding that similar tendencies, according to him, were still present in some political circles.

He urged citizens to remain cautious about any renewed attempts to destabilize the country.

Tarique Rahman also emphasized the ideological foundation of the BNP, stating that the party considers Bangladesh its first and last political commitment. He linked this sentiment to the legacy of the party’s founder and leadership history.

He said, “We who belong to Shaheed Zia’s party and are soldiers of Begum Khaleda Zia believe that this country is our first and last destination. That is why we say, ‘Prothom Bangladesh, Amar Shesh Bangladesh’.”

According to him, this ideological stance reflects the party’s dedication to national interests over partisan concerns.

The Prime Minister also focused extensively on the re-excavation of the historic Ulashi Canal during the event. He explained that the canal, which had once been a vital water source for the region, had become blocked and encroached upon over time, reducing its usefulness for agriculture and daily life.

He noted that the canal had originally been excavated nearly 50 years ago under the leadership of the then President Ziaur Rahman through voluntary community participation.

“Today, we have come to re-excavate this canal. Nearly 50 years ago, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman excavated this canal,” he said.

He added that restoring the canal would significantly benefit local agriculture, stating that approximately 20,000 farmers would directly benefit from improved water access. The initiative is also expected to increase agricultural production by around 1,400 tonnes and positively impact approximately 72,000 people in the region.

As part of the project, the government also plans to undertake environmental restoration work. Tarique Rahman announced that approximately 3,000 trees would be planted along both sides of the canal following its excavation. This initiative aims to support ecological balance and prevent environmental degradation in the area.

He emphasized that improved irrigation and water flow would contribute directly to agricultural productivity, thereby strengthening rural livelihoods.

The Prime Minister also highlighted initiatives aimed at improving women’s education, stating that women constitute roughly half of Bangladesh’s population and should have equal access to educational opportunities.

He credited previous leadership for introducing free education for girls up to the intermediate level and stated that further expansion of this policy was planned.

“We want to take that programme further forward. We have decided that, InShAllah, we will make education for girls free up to the degree level,” he said.

He also added that additional stipends would be provided to female students who achieve strong academic performance, reinforcing efforts to support women’s empowerment through education.

The event concluded with the formal inauguration of the Ulashi Canal re-excavation project. The Prime Minister symbolically launched the excavation work by cutting soil with a spade at around 11:55 am and also planted a sapling along the canal bank.

He arrived at the site earlier at approximately 11:45 am, where he unveiled a commemorative plaque and offered prayers for the success of the initiative.

The re-excavation project is being implemented by the Bangladesh Water Development Board and is expected to restore the canal’s historical function as a key irrigation source for the surrounding agricultural communities.