Tarique warns of ‘difficult times ahead’, seeks party support for government success

The prime minister seeks grassroots cooperation to implement BNP manifesto

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said Bangladesh is heading into “extremely difficult times” and called on party leaders to extend full cooperation to ensure the successful running of the government.

He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon at a discussion meeting marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, organised at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Farmgate.

“Government will be successful only when, as party workers, you continue to support every correct initiative of the government,” he said.

The BNP chairperson said both challenging and important times lie ahead.

“In this difficult and important period, if we simply pass time without seriousness, the loss will be minimal for you personally. The country will suffer, the future generation will suffer.”

Tarique urged party leaders to follow what he described as Ziaur Rahman’s vision for nation-building.

“We are trying to steer the country in that direction,” he said.

Referring to the election mandate, he said the government was working to implement its election manifesto.

“The manifesto is no longer just that of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. It belongs to the 52 percent of people who voted.

“As a political government, it is our duty to implement it,” he said, adding that cabinet members alone could not ensure success.

“Even if we work hard, programmes cannot succeed without your support,” he said, referring to MPs and ministers.

Highlighting development plans, he said the manifesto included initiatives on education, industrial expansion, job creation, and reopening closed factories to strengthen the economy.

On party discipline, he said organisational structure and political work must remain properly maintained to support the government.

“We will be able to support the government by keeping party discipline intact,” he said.

He called for a renewed pledge to implement the manifesto.

“We should try together to implement the mandate given by the people,” he said.

Speakers at the event included BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, senior party leaders, academics, and representatives from different professional bodies.

The programme began with a one-minute silence in memory of Ziaur Rahman, followed by prayers for his departed soul.