United News of Bangladesh

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.”  

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday inaugurated the re-excavation work of historic Khorddo Khal (canal) in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur, 48 years after his late father excavated it. After travelling by road from Dhaka, the Prime Minister reached the canal re-excavation site at Uyaruk Bazar in Tamta South Union around 2:40pm pm and formally launched the programme by unveiling a plaque. Later, Tarique stepped down beside the canal and cut soil with a spade to mark the beginning of the work. He later planted a tree on the bank of the canal. Khorddo Khal was originally excavated in 1978 under the initiative of former president Ziaur Rahman. After 48 years, the canal is being re-excavated under the initiative of his son, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. After inaugurating the canal work, the Prime Minister went to a nearby stage where thousands of leaders, activists and supporters standing on both sides of the canal welcomed him with loud applause. The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation work of the ‘Bishwo Khal’ (canal) near Ghosher Hat in Kumarduli village under Shahmahmudpur Union of Chandpur Sadar upazila. He is also scheduled to plant trees along the bank of the canal. Bishwo Khal is a long canal stretching from the Dakatia River through Ghosher Hat up to the border area of Matlab South. The Prime Minister will then take a break for Zohr prayers and lunch at the Circuit House. He will address a public rally at Chandpur Government College ground and distribute Family Cards. Tarique, also the Chairman of ruling BNP, is scheduled to attend an organisational views-exchange meeting with the party’s local leaders and activists at Chandpur Club at 5pm before returning to Dhaka.