Autocrats, secret forces have united again: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that “the autocrats and secret forces have united again” and are jointly conspiring against the country.

“Everyone must remain vigilant about those who seek to create anarchy,” he said.

The prime minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme at Fulgazi Pilot High School ground in Feni on Thursday afternoon, where Family Cards and Farmer Cards were distributed, along with honorariums for imams and priests and assistance for poor students and distressed people.

Tarique said his government had kept its promises made before the election, including introducing Farmer Cards and Family Cards and providing honorariums to imams and priests.

“If we can successfully implement these initiatives, the people will benefit,” he said.

Referring to the canal excavation programme initiated by former president Ziaur Rahman, the prime minister said BNP politics was aimed at changing people’s fortunes. He said the government wanted to reopen closed factories so that people could benefit.

Tarique warned that public welfare programmes could not be implemented if anarchy was created in the country.

Referring to those who had fled the country and those pursuing a “one-point” movement, he questioned whether they had any programmes for canal excavation, Family Cards or Farmer Cards.

“Where is their politics for the people?” he asked.

The prime minister also criticised a political party for allegedly promising to “sell tickets to heaven” before the election, saying that heaven belonged to Allah.

He further alleged that the “secret forces” had said there would be no problem if the autocrats returned after fleeing the country, adding that they had previously been involved in politics with the autocrats.

Earlier, Tarique inaugurated the first phase of the rehabilitation of the Muhuri-Kohua Flood Control, Drainage and Irrigation Project, implemented at a cost of Tk1,542.16 crore to reduce the long-standing flood suffering of people in Parshuram and Fulgazi.

At the programme, Farmer Cards were distributed to 7,643 people, Family Cards to 510 families, and honorariums to 238 imams, priests and sebayets. He later distributed cheques among severely distressed people and persons with disabilities.

The prime minister’s Feni visit included the inauguration of several government initiatives, including the Family Card and Farmer Card programmes.