Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday said that when farmers remain self-reliant and well, Bangladesh also remains well.
“Forty percent of the country’s people are engaged in agriculture. If farmers are solvent and do well, Bangladesh will do well. Making farmers self-reliant is the goal of the government,” he said.
He made the remarks while speaking after inaugurating the Farmers’ Card distribution programme at Shaheed Maruf Stadium in Tangail on the first day of Pohela Baishakh.
At the start of his speech, the Prime Minister extended Bengali New Year greetings. He said his government’s goal is to improve the lives of people and it is fulfilling its election pledges, including agricultural loan waivers, after being elected through public votes.
He said “The Farmers’ Card is one of the key election promises of BNP. Earlier, the government introduced Family Cards, Sports Cards and a canal excavation programme, and also waived Tk10,000 in agricultural loans, benefiting 12 lakh farmers.”
Under the newly launched programme, 22,065 farmers in 11 upazilas received cards in the initial phase. The government aims to distribute Farmers’ Cards to 2.75 crore farmers over the next five years. The card will provide 10 benefits to farmers.
Tarique Rahman said BNP has always tried to stand beside farmers whenever it has been in power. He added that the party wants to move forward with people to ensure a safe and liveable country.
He further said “20,000 kilometres of canals will be excavated over five years to solve irrigation problems for farmers and restore the groundwater level.”
The Prime Minister also said initiatives will be taken to establish industries linked to agriculture in farming regions.
“Cold storage facilities will be built to prevent crop losses, adding that several countries and institutions have shown interest in cooperation” he added.
“We held discussions yesterday with agricultural product traders. Different countries and local businesses are interested in building cold storage. The government is taking initiatives in this regard,” he said.
He added “Agriculture-based industries will be developed in agricultural regions so that farmers can get better prices for their produce.”
“BNP, whenever it has governed the country, has tried to stand beside farmers. Your trust will be honoured by a BNP government,” he added.
He said the country is now at a stage of rebuilding and called for public cooperation in national development.
“This is a people’s government. The goal is to change people’s fortunes and develop the country. Everyone wants to see their country better. We want to achieve that goal with people’s support,” he said.
