Tarique vows to break syndicates and ensure fair Ramadan prices in first PM address to nation
The prime minister said he has instructed the relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas, water, and electricity supply during key hours of Ramadan, particularly at iftar, tarawih, and sehri.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged that the BNP-led government will dismantle all forms of syndicates and irregularities across sectors.
Highlighting concerns over rising commodity prices during Ramadan, he said, "Businesspeople must remain vigilant so that prices do not go beyond the purchasing capacity of the general public."
"We have taken the responsibility of running the state with the commitment to establish the rights of the people by bringing down a mafia syndicate at the cost of thousands of lives," Tarique said in his first televised address to the nation as prime minister tonight (18 February).
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Extending greetings to the nation on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan, he said, "The BNP government is determined to break all syndicates involved in corruption and irregularities in every sector."
The prime minister said, "I appeal to you not to treat Ramadan as a month for excessive profit-making. Let us preserve the sanctity of this holy month."
Tarique said the government's approach towards businesses – small, medium, or large – is "clear and straightforward," adding that it seeks to protect the interests of both traders and consumers.
"The government is ready to hear any suggestions or complaints regarding what measures should be taken to stabilise the market situation and safeguard the interests of both buyers and sellers," he said.
The administration belongs to all citizens who entrusted it with the responsibility to govern through their votes, Tarique added.
The prime minister also said he has instructed the relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted gas, water, and electricity supply during key hours of Ramadan, particularly at iftar, tarawih, and sehri.
Referring to internal party decisions, he said the BNP parliamentary party had decided at its first meeting that no lawmaker elected from the party would import tax-free vehicles or take government plot allocations.
"I had said before you that if given the opportunity to govern, the BNP would follow the ideals of justice exemplified by the Holy Prophet [PBUH]," he said.
Tarique said he believes these decisions of the parliamentary party reflect that very principle of justice.
Specific commitments
The government has undertaken an initiative to comprehensively reform the country's railway network in a bid to reduce population pressure in the capital and decentralise economic activity, he said.
"As part of this plan, we are first reorganising and coordinating the activities of the ministries of rail, waterways, roads and bridges."
Tarique added, "If we can make rail communication across the country affordable, accessible and safe, it will reduce people's dependence on city-centric living and also contribute to environmental improvement."
Mentioning that it had become urgent to adopt alternative measures to ease congestion in Dhaka, he said the goal is to enable people to live in their respective districts or homes while being able to conduct official, business, and commercial activities efficiently and on time.
Tarique said the current government has embarked on its journey with specific commitments to ensure employment opportunities and a conducive working environment.
Observing that the world has entered the era of artificial intelligence through rapid technological advancement, he said Bangladesh must develop expertise in specific fields to remain competitive and secure prosperity with dignity.
"Addressing millions of students and young people across the country, I want to say that the government is ready to provide every possible support to help you equip yourselves with knowledge, skills and scientific competence," he said.
"You have entrusted the BNP with the responsibility to govern by casting your votes. You have given us the opportunity to implement all our plans. Now it is the duty of the BNP government to fulfil those commitments," he said.
He added that the government has already begun implementing its plans and sought continued public support in the days ahead.
"As head of government, I want to draw the attention of the people to one matter: everyone has equal rights over this government," he said.
"The BNP government believes that while political affiliation and faith may differ, the state belongs to all."
