Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has called upon party members to maintain the same level of solidarity they demonstrated over the past 17 years.
Addressing an organizational meeting at the Barishal Shilpakala Academy on Monday, July 13, the Prime Minister emphasized that while internal differences of opinion are natural, they must not be allowed to erode party unity.
"You have kept the party alive for 17 years through persecution, disappearance, and torture. You sacrificed more for the party than for your own families," he stated.
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"If we remain united, no fascist or infiltrator will be able to disrupt our progress. Cracks in our unity will only provide opportunities for those who wish us harm."
Strengthening the Grassroots for Local Government Elections
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister highlighted the necessity of grassroots strength, noting that the party’s ascent to power was a direct result of the collective efforts of its members.
Regarding upcoming local government elections, he urged leaders to resolve candidate selections internally.
"We will certainly hold local government elections, likely after the monsoon season following internal discussions. You must sit together and decide who will lead as chairmen and members. Without preparation and unity, we cannot govern effectively," he warned.
He also issued a stern warning against "hybrid" politicians and infiltrators, cautioning that internal and external conspiracies remain active. "We must organize the party carefully to ensure these elements cannot infiltrate our leadership."
Directives for Religious Harmony
In preparation for upcoming major religious festivals, the Prime Minister instructed party members to ensure total peace and security.
Critique of Past Governance and Vision for Development
During his address, the Prime Minister criticized the previous administration’s tenure, labeling it a period of "looting in the name of development." He pointed to the exorbitant costs of projects like the Padma Bridge and Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, citing a white paper from economist Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya that estimated an annual capital flight of 16 billion BDT over the past 17 years.
He outlined a broader vision for development that extends beyond infrastructure:
Healthcare: Planning to upgrade Upazila-level hospitals to 101 beds, continuing the legacy initiated by Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.
Child Welfare: A commitment to establish 1,000 children's hospitals across the country.
Governance: Prioritizing accountability and rebuilding the banking, education, and health sectors.
Addressing the current economic climate, the Prime Minister noted that despite global supply chain pressures and middle-eastern conflicts increasing import costs by approximately 25 billion BDT, the government successfully managed price stability during the recent Ramadan.
He concluded his remarks by reminding party workers that they are now responsible for the nation’s governance. "A country is like a family.
If one person cleans while everyone else litters, the house cannot stay clean. We must all work together to keep the nation clean and moving forward."
