Chattogram: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called upon people to stay alert to those seeking to create disorder, undermine peace and stability, and spread confusion, saying Bangladesh cannot move forward without a peaceful environment. ‘We have to stay conscious and alert. We have to be careful about those who want to destroy peace and stability,’ he said while addressing a programme to rehabilitate recent flood victims at West Banshkhali High School and College ground in Baharchhara union of Banshkhali upazila.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister emphasized that peace and stability are essential for attracting both domestic and foreign investment, establishing industries, and creating employment opportunities. He stressed that if Bangladesh wants to encourage investors to set up mills and factories, the first condition is ensuring peace and order in the country. He warned that disorder could deter investors who fear their operations might be disrupted.
Tarique Rahman explained that like businesses in a local market close during disorder, investors might hesitate to invest if they fear their factories won’t operate smoothly, transport goods to ports, or bring in raw materials. He highlighted that without proper factory operations, employment creation becomes impossible and urged vigilance against any plots to disrupt peace.
The Prime Minister reflected on Bangladesh’s history since independence, asserting that the country can no longer afford to lag behind others. He stated that the government’s primary objective is to improve people’s lives through employment, industrialization, education, healthcare, and increased agricultural production.
Tarique Rahman announced a forthcoming 10-year plan for the country’s energy and power sectors, aiming to ensure reliable supplies for essential services and industries. He addressed recent misleading information about the energy sector, urging those with alternative plans to present them constructively instead of creating unrest.
The Prime Minister acknowledged inheriting an unplanned energy system benefiting a few, necessitating time for restructuring in the public interest. He also highlighted the government’s initiatives to expand employment and social protection, including the Family Card and Farmers’ Card programs.
Tarique Rahman emphasized the importance of Bangladesh’s maritime resources for improving livelihoods and creating jobs. He visited Matarbari to explore opportunities for developing industries from Chattogram to Mirsharai, enhancing employment and business prospects.
He mentioned discussions with Chinese investors about establishing mills and factories in Chattogram, which would create jobs and boost foreign currency earnings, strengthening the economy and improving education and healthcare.
Earlier, the Prime Minister handed over keys to newly built houses for flood-affected families and launched a rehabilitation programme. He distributed relief assistance, including support for children with disabilities, and visited Baharchhara sea beach.
Tarique Rahman underscored the government’s responsibility to support people in times of need, ensure education and healthcare, and provide employment opportunities. He expressed a commitment to transforming relief into sustainable employment through training and sending skilled workers abroad.
He urged people to reject provocation and focus on development, asserting that Bangladesh will progress and its people will change their fortunes and that of the country. The program was attended by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, and local BNP leaders.
Earlier, the Prime Minister visited Matarbari, inspecting the deep-sea port, coal-fired power project, and activities of the Maheshkhali Integrated Development Authority (MIDA).