Keep faith in BNP govt, development initiatives: PM Tarique

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (16 August) urged the people of the country to keep faith in the BNP government and its development initiatives, saying his government would continue working in the interests of the country and its people.

"Keep your faith in us. BNP was with you, BNP is with the people of Bangladesh and BNP will remain with the people of Bangladesh," he said while addressing a public gathering in Pakundia after releasing fish fry into the Brahmaputra River at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat area.

Tarique Rahman said the government was formed with the support of people and would not take any step against the interests of the country and its people.

"You supported us in the 12 February election and placed your trust in the BNP. I clearly want to say keep that trust," he said.

Tarique Rahman said BNP will work for the people of Bangladesh. "As long as BNP remains, Inshallah, it will not do anything against the interests of the country and its people," he added.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists greeted the Prime Minister with applause when he reached the stage after releasing fish fry.

'Want to build Bangladesh as a welfare state'

The prime minister said his government wants to establish Bangladesh as a welfare state by implementing people-oriented programmes aimed at improving the lives of people, particularly those living in rural areas.

"Our goal is to establish a welfare state, and that is why we have taken various measures. We have already started programmes, including the Family Card, which I have outlined before you," he said.

Tarique Rahman said the government is taking a range of measures to improve people's livelihoods, including canal excavation, support for farmers, free education for women up to the honours level, and assistance for schoolchildren from poor families.

Referring to the Family Card programme, he said the government has already started implementing its election pledge to provide Family Cards to women who head households."We have started the work and will gradually take it to every household across the country over the next five years."

He also said the government is introducing Farmers' Cards to provide financial assistance to farmers and gradually ensure the supply of fertiliser, seeds and pesticides through the cards.

Tarique Rahman said the government has decided to make women's education free up to the honours level, with the state bearing all related expenses. "Women constitute half of the country's population. If we leave women behind, we cannot take the country forward."

The Prime Minister said girls who achieve good results in education would also be provided with government support.

He said the government would gradually provide school uniforms and school bags to children from poor families across the country, alongside the distribution of free textbooks.

"We want to provide new school bags and school uniforms to children along with the new books distributed every year," the Prime Minister said.

Tarique Rahman said the government was also taking initiatives to make imams, muezzins and other religious leaders self-reliant.

He said the government has also introduced sports and cultural programmes for children and young people to help develop future athletes and artists.

On the canal excavation programme, the Prime Minister said the benefits would extend beyond farmers to people living in areas through which the canals flow.

"Canal excavation alone is not enough. We have to ensure the water obtained through excavation is put to proper use," he said.

'Remain alert against those creating disorder'

Tarique urged people to remain alert against those attempting to create disorder on the streets, saying ordinary people suffer the most from such activities.

"If disorder is created on the streets, ordinary people suffer the most. Their businesses are affected, their jobs are affected and their livelihoods are affected. But those who create disorder benefit," he said.

He called upon people to take a collective pledge to resist anyone working against the country's interests or obstructing programmes taken for the welfare of the people.

"People now want peace, the rule of law, employment, education for their children and healthcare for their families," he said.

MP Fazlur Rahman and other local BNP leaders were present at the gathering.

After completing his Pakundia programme, Tarique is scheduled to visit the Kotiadi Card Hatchery Complex.

He will later inaugurate the National Fisheries Week-2026 at the Achimita George Institution field and distribute the National Fisheries Awards.

His other programmes include a tree plantation programme at Sholakia field and distribution of Family Cards at Kishoreganj Stadium.