Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged Bangladeshi expatriates to move beyond personal demands and instead focus on how they can contribute to the nation’s development.
Speaking at a broad exchange of views with migrant workers at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night, Tarique called for a shift in perspective.
“I want to ask the expatriates: let us move away from what our demands are today and think about what our duty is to the country. What we can do for the country,” he said.
The prime minister arrived at the hotel at approximately 9:30pm on Sunday following formalities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, accompanied by his wife, Zubaida Rahman.
During the session, he outlined his vision for nation-building and discussed BNP’s electoral pledges, including the Family Card, Farmer Card, and the re-excavation of canals.
A call for patience and hard work Reflecting on the state of the nation, Tarique noted that over the past decade and a half of “fascist rule,” a specific group had systematically exhausted the country’s resources. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people, stating that “people gave their blood to free the country from autocracy”.
He expressed a firm belief in a “beautiful and bright future” for Bangladesh but cautioned that it would require hard work and patience.
Drawing a comparison to the host nation, he remarked on the cleanliness of Kuala Lumpur’s streets, noting that the work is largely performed by Bangladeshi brothers. “My question is, if my brothers can do it here, why can’t we do it in our country?” he asked.
When the gathered crowd began to shout simultaneously about their grievances, Tarique called for order, explaining that such chaos prevents effective communication and resolution. “We must move away from this. If we all make a noise and only think of our own demands, nothing will be achieved,” he said.
Moving past personal vendettas Addressing historical grievances, Tarique Rahman recalled the events following “One-Eleven” and the treatment of his family. He specifically mentioned an instance where an ambulance was denied to his mother, Begum Khaleda Zia, during a period of serious illness.
However, he explicitly ruled out seeking personal revenge now that the BNP is in power. “I am the prime minister… I could perhaps take revenge out of personal grudge. But if I do, who will benefit? No one. We must emerge from this mindset,” he told the audience.
Expatriate welfare and Malaysian law Regarding the specific problems faced by migrants in Malaysia, Tarique emphasised the necessity of respecting local laws.
He informed the gathering that he is scheduled to hold a private meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Monday morning, followed by high-level delegation talks.
“We will talk to them and try to make them understand. But they will not go outside their country’s laws,” he clarified, promising to seek as many benefits and facilities as possible for the expatriates within the Malaysian legal framework.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Engineer Badalur Rahman, president of the BNP Malaysia branch, amidst loud applause from the attendees. Tarique is currently on a two-day state visit to Malaysia.
