Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said the government is focused on implementing practical plans to improve people’s lives instead of only dreaming about change.
“We do not just want to dream; we want to implement plans that will benefit the country’s people, move the nation forward and change people’s fate,” he said at a rally after inaugurating the re-excavation of the historic Khorddo Khal canal in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur.
Calling on people to take a pledge to rebuild the nation, Tarique said nation-building and state reconstruction should become the country’s collective mission.
“From today, let our only mission be nation-building and state reconstruction. Let this be our commitment,” he said.
The prime minister urged people from all walks of life to work together to move Bangladesh forward through realistic and effective initiatives.
“Our goal is one and our purpose is one,” he said.
Referring to the canal excavation programme, Tarique said the initiative had originally been launched 48 years ago by his late father and former president Ziaur Rahman.
Quoting the Holy Quran, he said Allah helps those who help themselves.
“If this canal is not excavated, our farmer brothers will not get water. Once the canal is re-excavated, they will benefit,” he said.
Tarique said Bangladesh could become a respected nation globally if the country’s 20 crore people worked together.
“If 40 crore hands of 20 crore people work together, Insha’Allah, we will be able to build Bangladesh into a respected state in the world,” he said.
The prime minister also said the government would gradually implement the commitments made before the election. “BNP always tries to fulfil the commitments it makes to people whenever it is in office,” he said.
Stating that people are the source of BNP’s strength, Tarique said the party’s work for the country would continue as long as people stand beside it.
After travelling by road from Dhaka via Cumilla, the prime minister reached the Khorddo Khal re-excavation site at Waruk Bazar in Tamta South Union under Shahrasti upazila around 2:40pm and inaugurated the programme by unveiling a plaque.
He later cut soil with a spade on the canal bank and planted a tree sapling there.
Education Minister Anam Ehsanul Haque Milon, Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu and local leaders were present.
Thousands of leaders, activists and supporters gathered on both sides of the canal and welcomed the prime minister.
Later, Tarique also inaugurated the re-excavation of Bishwo Khal near Ghosher Hat in Shahmahmudpur Union under Chandpur Sadar upazila around 4:30pm and planted a sapling on the canal bank.
The Bishwo Khal extends from the Dakatiya River through Ghosher Hat to the Matlab South boundary area.
