
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued a stern call for public vigilance on Sunday, urging citizens to reject elements attempting to sow instability and discord.
Speaking as the chief guest at the "House Handover, Grant and Relief Distribution" ceremony at Banshkhali High School and College, the Prime Minister emphasized that manufactured chaos ultimately undermines national peace and developmental progress.
"For the past few days, some people have been trying to spread confusions. Everyone must remain alert so that they cannot create any kind of disorder or confusion. Those spreading confusions will go away after serving their own interests, but ultimately it is the people of the country who will suffer," he warned.
Addressing his political detractors, the Prime Minister affirmed that his administration is committed to transparency and will present its comprehensive national development strategy, including long-term energy frameworks, directly to Parliament.
He invited the opposition to offer constructive alternatives rather than engaging in disruptive rhetoric. "If the opposition or anyone else has any plan, they can present it before the people. But do not create disorder or disturb people's peace by making misleading statements," he said.
Emphasizing a forward-looking governance agenda, he added, "More than 50 years have passed since the country became independent. There is no time to look back anymore; now is the time to work and build the country."
Highlighting the government's mandate to serve those who elected it, Tarique Rahman reaffirmed his administration's duty to provide comprehensive social protection.
"We have to stand by the people in good and bad times, stand by mothers and sisters, ensure education for children, provide proper treatment to those who fall ill and create employment opportunities for young people, both women and men," he stated, noting that many campaign promises were initiated within his first month in office.
The Prime Minister detailed the upcoming launch of the "Family Card" program, scheduled for August 16, following a successful pilot phase.
In the 2026-27 fiscal year, the initiative will provide cards to female household heads across roughly 41 lakh families nationwide, with 10,000 to 12,000 beneficiaries expected in Banshkhali alone.
Additionally, he announced a "Farmer Card" scheme to support agricultural workers and salt farmers, alongside a pending adjustment to official salt pricing aimed at insulating growers from previous economic volatility.
Outlining his vision for Chattogram’s transformation into an economic powerhouse, the Prime Minister referenced his earlier site inspections at Matarbari, Maheshkhali, and Mirsarai.
He noted that the region’s maritime access is a vital national asset, and the government is actively securing domestic and international investment, including a new Chinese-invested special economic zone expected to create thousands of local jobs.
In the healthcare and energy sectors, the Prime Minister announced plans to double the capacity of 50-bed upazila hospitals to 101 beds within five years.
Criticizing the previous administration for prioritizing private interests in the power sector, he confirmed that his government is finalizing a 10-year master plan for parliamentary review.
"We will formulate a plan to ensure that people get reliable electricity at schools, colleges, hospitals, mills, factories and homes, and proper gas supply for vehicles and other needs," he promised.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister urged Chattogram residents to cooperate with ongoing development, noting that having local leaders in the Finance and Home Affairs ministries provides a unique opportunity for regional advancement.
"When two people from an area are entrusted with such important ministries, no one will be able to hold back the development of that area, InshaAllah," he declared.
The event, attended by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and State Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, followed a personal visit by the Prime Minister to Baharchhara village, where he handed over housing keys, essential supplies, and livestock to a family displaced by recent floods.


