CHANDPUR, May 16: Calling upon the country's people to take a vow to rebuild the nation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday said his government does not merely want to dream, but aims to formulate and implement plans to improve the lives of people.
"From today, let our only mission be nation-building and state reconstruction. Let this be our commitment," he said while addressing a rally after inaugurating the re-excavation of historic Khorddo Khal canal in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur.
The Prime Minister said the government wants to take realistic and effective plans and called upon people from all walks of life to work together to move Bangladesh forward and rebuild the state through collective efforts.
"Our goal is one and our purpose is one. 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.
Referring to the canal re-excavation programme, Tarique said the initiative had originally been started 48 years ago by his late father and former president Ziaur Rahman. "Let us all pledge to move the country forward."
Quoting from the Holy Quran, the Prime Minister 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 dignified nation in the world if the country's 20 crore people work together hand in hand.
"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 his government would gradually implement the promises made to people before the election.
"BNP always tries to fulfil the commitments it makes to people whenever it is in office," he said.
Stating that the people of Bangladesh are the source of BNP's strength, Tarique said, "As long as people stand beside us and support us, our work for the country will continue."
After travelling by road from Dhaka via Cumilla, the Prime Minister reached the re-excavation site of Khorddo Khal at Waruk Bazar in Tamta South Union under Shahrasti upazila around 2:40pm and formally 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 on the occasion. Thousands of leaders, activists and supporters gathered on both sides of the canal and welcomed the Prime Minister with applause.
PM backs demand for Cumilla division
In Cumilla he announced that a new administrative division would be formed in the name of Cumilla.
He made the announcement at a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar in Barura upazila amid repeated slogans from party leaders and activists demanding Cumilla Division.
"If this demand truly reflects the aspiration of people, Inshallah, it will be implemented," the Prime Minister said.
Tarique Rahman also said the government would discuss with the education ministry soon the issue of establishing an agricultural university in Cumilla. �"UNB
