MOULVIBAZAR, June 17: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday declared a firm stance against money laundering and the illegal transfer of public wealth abroad, saying that state resources must be directed towards improving the lives of citizens.
“We will take a tough position from today against those who have laundered money from this country and those who want to siphon off people’s money abroad,” the Prime Minister asserted while inaugurating the third phase of the Family Card distribution programme at Victoria High School ground in Sreemangal, Moulvibazar.
He urged citizens to remain alert against attempts to move national wealth overseas, stressing that collective vigilance was essential to safeguard public resources. “If we all keep our eyes and ears open, no one will be able to launder the country’s assets abroad. We will work together and use that money to change the lives of our people,” he declared.
Thousands, including tea garden workers and local residents, responded positively when the Prime Minister asked whether they would support the government’s efforts.
Calling for a broader national commitment, Tarique Rahman said, “Let our pledge on this joyous day be one thing: work for the country and put Bangladesh first.” He also introduced a new slogan: “We will work, we will build the country. Bangladesh first, Bangladesh for all.”
The Prime Minister alleged that public money had been siphoned abroad over the past 17 years instead of being used for public welfare. “People’s money will be spent on the people. It will be used for the country’s development and for changing the fate of citizens. So, there will be no shortage of money, Insha-Allah,” he said.
EXPANSION OF SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES
At the programme, the Prime Minister announced that 4 million farmers across the country would receive Krishak Cards within the next year starting from July. He also said another 4 million families would be brought under the Family Card programme within the same period.
He said allocations for both initiatives had been included in the proposed national budget, adding that priority would be given to women heads of households to strengthen their economic empowerment.
“We want to change the fate of Bangladesh and its people. Our goal is to empower families, especially women, so that they can become economically self-reliant,” he said.
Tarique Rahman said the Family Card initiative was a commitment made by the BNP before forming the government and that implementation had begun soon after taking office.
SUPPORT FOR TEA WORKERS AND VULNERABLE GROUPS
During the event, the government distributed various forms of assistance among tea workers, students, persons with disabilities, patients and disadvantaged communities.
Five tea workers received housing allocation letters worth Tk 2 lakh each. Scholarships were also provided to children of tea workers, while financial assistance was distributed to people suffering from serious illnesses, including cancer, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, stroke-related paralysis, congenital heart disease and thalassemia. Support was also given to ethnic communities, students, and poor, distressed and disabled citizens.
The Prime Minister said the welfare programmes were funded through public resources and rejected criticism regarding the financing of the Family Card and Krishak Card schemes.
HEALTHCARE, AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY PLANS
Tarique Rahman said the government was working to strengthen rural healthcare by upgrading 50-bed upazila health complexes into 100-bed facilities within five years.
He also highlighted measures to ease pressure on consumers, including the removal of duties on 60 essential commodities.
On industrial development, he said increased protection had been provided to local industries by raising duties on similar imported goods, a step aimed at boosting domestic production and creating employment opportunities for young people.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of religious harmony, saying Bangladesh belongs to people of all faiths. “Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians have lived together in Bangladesh for centuries. We want to preserve this harmony and ensure development for everyone,” he said.
Recalling earlier election commitments made in Sylhet and Habiganj, he said he had promised to provide Family Cards to women tea workers if his party came to power. “Today I thank Allah that I have been able to keep that promise,” he added.
