Tarique calls for austerity, assures stability amid Middle East crisis

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged restraint in spending and outlined his government's priorities to stabilise the economy amid challenges posed by global instability.

"Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering," he said.

Addressing the Independence Award 2026 ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital today (16 April), Tarique said the government is spending hundreds of crores of taka every day in subsidies in the fuel and energy sector to maintain stability and keep the situation normal.

He said the new BNP-led government has inherited a fragile economy weakened by corruption and mismanagement and a deteriorating law and order situation.

Restoring peace and security in public life through improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is one of the government's key priorities, Tarique said.

Stating that Bangladesh currently has a large working-age population, he said creating employment opportunities for this group is one of the major challenges at present.

He said the country's education system was derailed during the fascist rule, and there was barely any effort by the interim government to put it back on track.

In today's competitive world, the education system must be modernised and made job-oriented to ensure survival, he said, adding that work has already begun to make the education system more practical.

On the July Charter, the prime minister said his government will implement every clause and word of the charter.

"Personally, I believe that change in mindset is more important than changes on paper. The BNP government has proved it repeatedly whenever it has had the opportunity to run the state," he said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh gained independence at the cost of many lives and has now completed 55 years as an independent nation. "We have both achievements and shortcomings. To build a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, we must avoid revenge, retaliation and unnecessary controversy," he said.

Quoting BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said, "National unity is our strength, division is our weakness."

Tarique said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy but they should not turn into hostility. "We must remain alert about the country's interest as anti-Bangladesh forces are still waiting for opportunities."

He remembered the role and contributions of all national leaders of the country's independence and Liberation War history including Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, with deep respect and affection.

"If we, for narrow partisan interests, fail to respectfully acknowledge the roles of our national leaders in history, then future history will not forgive us. I believe that hesitation in accepting historical truth reflects inferiority," Tarique said.