We’ll go to any length to secure Teesta-Padma waters: PM

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to take all necessary measures, including constructing barrages on the Teesta and Padma rivers, to resolve water-related problems and secure the country's fair share of river water. 

He said people in 14 districts would benefit from the construction of the Padma Barrage. He called on the people to continue supporting the BNP to make this possible.

The Prime Minister made these remarks while addressing a public rally at the historic Madrasa Ground in Rajshahi on Tuesday afternoon.

“This is our country, and we must build it ourselves. No one will come from abroad to build our country for us,” he said.

He alleged that the deposed authoritarian regime and another party that now operates inside Bangladesh have joined hands to create unrest in the country, apparently referring to the Awami League and Jamaat-e-Islami.

“These two parties have united. One party is trying to create unrest by providing money from the other side of the border, while another party operating here is trying to create unrest,” he said.

The Prime Minister said attempts were made to create labour unrest at some factories in different parts of the country, adding that intelligence reports indicated that the ousted authoritarian regime was supplying money for such activities.

“There is a party also here that spreads rumours in the country. The party tried to sell various tickets to the people before the election by telling lies. These two parties have now united,” he said.

A certain group was trying to spread misinformation to obstruct the pace of development and called on everyone to remain united in this situation. The BNP's slogan is: “We will work, we will build the country, Bangladesh for everyone.”

Highlighting various government initiatives for the development of agriculture and farmers, the Prime Minister said loans of up to Tk 10,000 had been waived for 1.3 million farmers in line with the election pledges. Farmer cards would be distributed to 4 million farmers in phases. Through these cards, farmers would receive 10 types of benefits, including fertilisers, pesticides, insurance and bank loans.

He said farmers in the northern region suffered from water shortages. To address the problem, the government had planned to excavate 20,000 kilometres of canals, of which excavation work on 8,000 kilometres had been completed. Canal excavation would increase irrigation facilities and help replenish groundwater. In addition, a programme to plant 250 million trees would be implemented over five years.

Accusing certain quarters of obstructing the government's development activities, the Prime Minister said the government was trying to reopen closed factories, create employment opportunities and increase foreign investment. 

Referring indirectly to Jamaat-e-Islami, Tarique Rahman said a particular party did not want various government initiatives to be implemented. He urged the people to remain cautious about them. 

At the public rally, the Prime Minister inaugurated the distribution of Tk 122.375 million in agricultural incentives among 38,970 sugarcane farmers.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman visited a Durga Puja mandap at the historic Radha Govinda Dharma Sabha Temple in Rangpur and exchanged greetings with members of the Hindu community. There, he said the government belonged to those who had voted for the BNP as well as those who had not. He said the government wanted to ensure services for all citizens and balanced development across the country. The Prime Minister said Tk 18 billion had been allocated for the development of Rangpur metropolitan city at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). In phases, necessary infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, schools and colleges, would be developed in various upazilas, unions and villages across the district.

On his way to Rangpur, Tarique Rahman attended two roadside rallies in Taraganj and Paglapir. After attending the public rally and visiting a Puja mandap in Rajshahi, he left for Chattogram at 6:30 pm. The Prime Minister was scheduled to visit several Puja mandaps in Chattogram metropolitan city and address a civic gathering.The Rajshahi public rally was chaired by BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, local members of parliament, and leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated and associate organisations were present.