PM vows full implementation of July Charter, warns against anarchy
“We must identify those who is being influenced again by the ghost of authoritarianism and who is trying to create unrest and instability in the country,” he said.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (14 April) reaffirmed that the July National Charter – as signed by political parties – will be implemented in full, warning that attempts to create instability over the issue will be resisted.
Addressing a rally at Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University in Tangail, he alleged that opposition parties are trying to create anarchy in the country centring on the implementation of the charter.
"I want to clearly say that the July Charter signed by political parties at the invitation of Dr Muhammad Yunus at the South Plaza of Parliament will be implemented in its entirety – every word, every line and every provision – Inshallah," the prime minister said.
He also warned against any attempt to obstruct government public welfare programmes, including canal excavation, Farmer's Card and Family Card initiatives, saying the BNP, along with the people, will resist such moves.
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"What have we seen in Parliament? Those who have received only a small number of votes are now demanding that whatever they say must be accepted," Tarique said.
He said those who are now in the opposition had been uncertain and in confusion about whether they would sign the July Charter or not. "Another party did not even sign at first and only signed after the election. Why did those who raise their voices about the July movement not sign it earlier if they had so much concern?"
"I am saying again clearly that the BNP will implement the July Charter that was signed by all political parties at the South Plaza of Parliament. Inshallah, we will implement it," the prime minister said, urging all to remain alert and vigilant against any move to destabilise the country.
"We must identify those who is being influenced again by the ghost of authoritarianism and who is trying to create unrest and instability in the country," he said.
Referring to the Sherpur-3 election and the Bogura-6 by-election held on 9 April, Tarique said there were perhaps one or two minor incidents, but overall, the situation was peaceful.
"There was no major complaint in any of the national newspapers. People are living peacefully and the situation is calm where elections were held. But tensions are rising around Baitul Mukarram. You are certainly aware of who are trying to destabilise the situation," he said.
The prime minister said though authoritarian rule has fallen, its influence still exists in the country. "We must stay vigilant to ensure that public-oriented programmes are not obstructed."
He said in the past, attempts were made to obstruct politics aimed at improving people's lives, and democracy was hindered. "That is why we must remain alert. We must stay alert against those parties and individuals who try to spread confusion."
"This Bangladesh is our final home. We were born here and we will die here. We have no home abroad. Since this country is our home, we must build it together with the people and create Bangladesh we aspire to see," Tarique said.
Liberation War Affairs Minister Ahmed Azam Khan, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku, and MP Abdus Salam Pintu, among others, were present.
Earlier, the prime minister visited the grave of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani in Santosh.
After the rally, he left Tangail for Dhaka by road.
