Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called upon the people of Bangladesh to take a solemn vow to rebuild the nation, emphasizing that the current administration is focused on long-term execution rather than empty promises.

“From today, our only task should be nation-building and rebuilding the state. Let this be our pledge,” the Premier said.

He added, “We have one goal and one purpose. We do not just want to dream. We want to make plans. We want to adopt plans that will move the country forward and change the people’s fate.”

Tarique Rahman, who also serves as the ruling BNP Chairman, made these remarks while addressing a massive public rally this afternoon after inaugurating the re-excavation program of the Khorddo Canal at the Waruk Bazar area of Tamta Dakshin Union in Shahrasti Upazila.

As the Prime Minister stepped onto the stage constructed beside the canal, thousands of leaders, activists, and supporters lining both banks welcomed him with loud slogans and applause.

Connecting the day's event to national history, Tarique Rahman noted that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had originally excavated this very canal 48 years ago, in 1978.

Now, nearly five decades later, the canal is being re-excavated by his son. “Forty-eight years ago, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman initiated this canal excavation programme. Today, let us all make a pledge to move the country forward,” he urged.

Quoting from the Holy Quran, the Prime Minister stated, “Allah says that He helps those who help themselves. If we don’t excavate this (Khorddo) canal, how will our farmers get water? They will not. Through the canal excavation, farmers will benefit.”

He further remarked on the collective potential of the population, stating, “In the same way, if all of us work together, if the 40 crore hands of Bangladesh’s 20 crore people work together, InShaAllah, we will be able to transform Bangladesh into a dignified nation in the world.”

The BNP Chairman reaffirmed his administration's commitment to fulfilling its electoral pledges, asserting that the public remains the foundational source of the party's political power.

“Just as we made promises to the people before the elections, we will gradually implement all the promises in the future,” he said.

“Your strength is our strength. As long as you stand beside us, our journey of building the nation will continue, InShaAllah.”

He rallied the crowd with a new national slogan, saying, “Let our pledge today, at this canal excavation programme, be ‘Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh; Sobar Agee Bangladesh’ (we will work to build the country, Bangladesh first).”

At one stage of his speech, the Premier asked the gathered crowd, “Are you with me in building this country?” In response, the audience enthusiastically waved their hands and shouted, “Yes, we are!” to which the Prime Minister responded, “Alhamdulillah.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister arrived at the Khordda Canal site by road at around 2:40 pm, where he officially unveiled the plaque for the re-excavation program.

He then formally inaugurated the physical work by cutting soil with a spade and planted saplings along the banks of the canal.

The event was attended by Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, local lawmaker Mominul Haque, Chandpur BNP General Secretary Advocate Salim Ullah Selim, Shahrasti Upazila BNP President Ayat Ali Bhuiyan and Vice President Abu Yusuf Rupam, alongside other senior regional leaders.