The prime minister says the government’s development agenda will focus on livelihoods, jobs, education, healthcare and social welfare

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said the government aims to transform Bangladesh into a welfare state through people-oriented initiatives, urging citizens to remain patient and vigilant against attempts to create disorder and obstruct development.We want to build a welfare state. That is why we are taking various measures for the welfare of the people. We have already started implementing different programmes, including the Family Card,” he said.The prime minister was speaking at a public gathering after releasing fish fry into the Brahmaputra river at Mirzapur Chairman Bari Ghat in Pakundia this afternoon.Referring to the support his government received for its development plans, Tarique said people would benefit if the initiatives were implemented properly.So, I want to tell you to maintain the trust you placed in the party in the February 12 election,” he said.

He urged people to continue trusting the BNP, saying the party would remain committed to their welfare and the country’s development.

“The BNP was with you, is with the people of Bangladesh and will remain with the people of Bangladesh,” he said.Tarique said the BNP would work in the interests of the people and would not take any action contrary to the interests of the country and its citizens as long as the party existed.

Criticising what he described as unplanned measures taken by the previous government in the power and energy sector, Tarique said those decisions had contributed to the country’s current power crisis.He said the government would present a 10-year plan to address power-related problems during the next session of parliament, which is scheduled to begin on August 27.

The prime minister also called on people to remain alert against attempts to create disorder on the streets, saying ordinary citizens bear the brunt of such disruptions.

“If disorder is created on the streets, ordinary people suffer the most. Their businesses are affected, their jobs are affected and their livelihoods are disrupted. But those who create disorder benefit from it,” he said.

Tarique said people now wanted peace, the rule of law, employment, education for their children and healthcare for their families.

“If we are to accomplish these tasks, we must remain patient. At the same time, we must remain vigilant about those who are creating disorder,” he said.

After arriving in Pakundia, the prime minister released fish fry into the Brahmaputra before addressing the gathering, where thousands of party leaders and activists greeted him.

Lawmaker Fazlur Rahman and other local leaders were present at the programme.