Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday alleged that a group is conspiring to foil the government’s development plans and urged people to remain vigilant.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the re-excavation of the Kanhar catchment canal in Trishal, Mymensingh, around 2:30pm. He also planted a palm sapling on the canal bank.
Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman said some groups were trying to create instability instead of focusing on public issues such as agriculture, irrigation and employment.
“They are not talking about farmers’ problems, canal excavation or jobs. They want to create anarchy, which will ultimately harm farmers and ordinary people,” he said.
The prime minister alleged that those creating unrest were backed by individuals “rejected on August 5,” though he did not elaborate.
Recalling the canal’s history, he said former president Ziaur Rahman had inaugurated the canal excavation project 45 years ago, but the work was later halted, causing hardship for local farmers.
He said the renewed excavation would benefit more than 403,000 farmers and around 20,000 residents in the area. He also announced plans to re-excavate nearly 2,500 kilometres of canals across Mymensingh district.
“The government is working to improve people’s lives. The workforce of 200 million people must be properly utilised,” he said.
Referring to the recent killing of child Ramisa in Mirpur’s Pallavi area, Tarique Rahman said those responsible must face justice.
“The death of Ramisa is tragic and heartbreaking. Whoever committed the crime must be punished according to the law,” he said, adding that some groups were trying to obstruct the rule of law and create instability.
He reiterated several government pledges, including canal excavation, family cards, farmer cards, and providing school uniforms and bags to primary school students by July. He also said the government would gradually introduce employment initiatives and honorariums for imams and religious leaders.
“It is not possible to provide all services to 200 million people in a single day, but it can be achieved in phases if we remain united,” he added.
At the beginning of the rally, local Jubo Dal leader Shajahan recalled accompanying former president Ziaur Rahman during the canal excavation programme in 1979 and thanked the prime minister for continuing the initiative.
After the programme, the prime minister left for Trishal’s Darirampur Nazrul Mancha, where he was scheduled to attend an event marking the 127th birth anniversary of national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.
