PM warns of conspiracies, urges nation to stay alert

“Today, we sense the smell of conspiracy… You must remain united and alert against these conspirators,” he said while addressing a public rally organised by the BNP’s Bogura district unit at the Altafunnessa Playground.

Tarique Rahman, also the BNP Chairman, said these forces have historically attempted to mislead the nation at different critical times, including before and after independence. “These clandestine forces tried to confuse people during the election using similar tactics. They have once again started spreading confusion,” he said.

He said despite repeatedly making it clear that the July National Charter – as signed by political parties at the South Plaza of Parliament – would be implemented fully word by word, some political parties have started making various remarks both inside and outside Parliament to mislead people.

“You must all remain alert against them. During the Liberation War, we saw how they tried to mislead the people. In the 1986 election, we saw how they attempted to confuse the nation. In 1996, we again saw how they joined hands with autocratic forces to mislead the people. And in 2008 as well, we saw how they aligned with the 1/11 regime to confuse people,” Tarique Rahman said.

He said BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, a son of Bogura, had proclaimed the country’s independence in 1971. “Today, we see those who are trying to mislead the people and create confusion over the July Charter. They did not believe in the independence of this country and they did not believe in its very existence. Can those who do not believe in the existence of this country be trusted? They cannot be trusted,” he said.

The Prime Minister said some political parties are trying to mislead people and create chaos across the country just as fallen autocrat Sheikh Hasina once said she would not allow Khaleda Zia’s government to stay in peace even for a minute.

“The same ghost has now taken hold of this group (Jamaat). You can see how they talk about agitation and try to turn personal incidents into political issues – just like the Dinajpur Yasmin incident, where a personal tragedy was given a political colour and unrest was created, leading to a 172-day hartal. You surely remember that,” he said.

Referring to a recent incident of Mymensingh, Tarique Rahman said it was a minor personal matter involving a relationship and marriage between a young couple, along with family disputes.

However, he claimed, the same incident was deliberately given a political colour by a certain quarter in an attempt to create unrest in the country.

The Prime Minister alleged that those who are trying to mislead people over reforms, the July Charter and the Constitution do not speak about women’s freedom or development.

Referring to a pre-election remark by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman opposing the Family Card scheme, he said, “Did you not see what they were saying during the election – ‘keep your family card’? You remember that, don’t you? They ignore the work that serves the people. Instead, they are now spreading confusion to secure power through conspiracy.”

Calling upon all to stay united, the Prime Minister said the country’s people have given BNP the mandate to implement its plans and the July Charter.

“It is now time to fulfil those commitments… I am your brother, your son. We have already started working to implement the plans we presented before the election. If I can do this as a son of Bogura, it will be a matter of pride for all of you,” he told the crowd.

Tarique Rahman announced that work on the Bogura-Sirajganj rail line will begin soon.

He also said the government has started working to export agricultural products from Bogura and the northern region.

The Prime Minister highlighted several initiatives undertaken after the formation of the government, including Family Card, Farmers’ Card, waiver of agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000, monthly allowances for imams and religious leaders, tree plantation drives, canal excavation programmes, and creating employment opportunities at home and abroad, noting that the government is committed to implementing electoral pledges.

The rally began around 5:30pm. Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at 5:43pm after a short break at the Circuit House, following his return from his ancestral home in Bagbari of Gabtali upazila.

After the rally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new building of Bogura Press Club and the reconstruction work on Baitur Rahman Central Mosque, reports UNB.