By Asma Parvin :

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman today said that his government is committed to fulfilling all expectations of the country’s people.

“The current government is running the state being inspired by the philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the main objective of the government is to fulfill the hopes and aspirations of the people through implementing the BNP’s election manifesto,” he said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks while taking part in a discussion as the chief guest at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the city this afternoon.

The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organized the discussion marking the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

Speaking on the occasion, Tarique Rahman sought all-out cooperation from the party leaders, workers and supporters in running a ‘successful government stating that “very difficult times lie ahead’.

“I would like to tell everyone- our leaders, activists and supporters- that an extremely difficult time lies ahead of us. At the same time, it is also a very important period. If we spend this crucial and difficult time carelessly, the country would suffer irreparable damage. The damage may not affect you personally, but it will affect the country and future generations,” he said.

“So, let us work to build the country in the way Shaheed Zia wanted and move it forward along the path he envisioned. We are trying to govern the country following that very direction,” the Premier continued.

Recalling Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, he said, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman just wanted to make the country self-reliant by gradually moving every sector of the country forward. We have adopted every guideline of Shaheed Zia in the manifesto that the people of Bangladesh voted for in the February 12 elections”.

Addressing the party men, Tarique Rahman said, “The government will do its work. You are also a member of the ruling party. The government can succeed only when you as a worker of this party continue to support every correct initiative undertaken by the government.”

Noting that the efforts of the government alone would not be enough, he said, “We have 214 Members of Parliament and 50 cabinet members, including myself. But our programmes will not succeed through our efforts alone. We need the support of all of you.”

Highlighting the role of leaders and activists of BNP and its all affiliated and associated bodies, including Chhatra Dal, Jubo Dal, Swechchhasebak Dal, Mohila Dal, Lawyers’ Forum, Tanti Dal and Sramik Dal, during February 12 polls to ensure the victory, the Prime Minister called upon them to continue working with the same dedication they demonstrated before the election.

“Just as you worked tirelessly before the election and helped the party achieve victory, the work did not end with that victory. We must continue that hard work. We became victorious through the election; now we must become a successful government in the eyes of the people by successfully implementing our goals and programmes,” he said.

Achieving success would not be possible through the efforts of MPs and cabinet members alone, the Premier said, adding, “It will only be possible when leaders and activists of BNP across the country work in field level to implement and make these programmes successful.”

Describing the current government as a political government with its own ideology, policies and manifesto, he said, “The manifesto that we presented to the people of the country before the February 12 elections, the people saw, heard and understood that manifesto or plan. And on February 12, they voted in favour of the ‘sheaf of paddy’ according to their decision and gave the ‘sheaf of paddy’ the responsibility to implement that plan.”

The manifesto was BNP’s manifesto until February 12, he said, adding, but after the election results became clear on February 13 and it was evident that the people had given overwhelming support to this plan, it became the manifesto of the people.

“Therefore, as a government of a political party, it is our responsibility as a political government to implement it,” the Premier added.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to restoring democracy and improving justice, education and healthcare, Tarique Rahman said, “The aspirations of people were not fulfilled after the War of Liberation. Over the past 17 years, the nation has witnessed how democracy, justice, education and healthcare were diminished”.

In this context, he said, “The BNP government has assumed responsibility at a difficult and crucial time. If we proceed carelessly during this period, the country and future generations will suffer irreparable damage.”

Emphasizing the importance of family education in preventing social degradation, he said, “After returning to the country, I felt that there has been some decline in family-based education. Relevant authorities have been instructed to work toward strengthening social and family values.”