Tarique Pledges Unity, Puts People Before Politics

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman greeted leaders of political parties participated in the simultaneous anti-fascist movement.

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Monday reaffirmed his commitment to preserving unity among the political parties that joined the simultaneous anti-fascist movement, saying his government would always place the interests of the people above political considerations.

"We have been together all these years. There is no reason for us to part ways now. We stood together in the past, we are together today, and we will remain together in the days ahead," he said.

Tarique made the remarks while addressing a courtesy meeting and dinner hosted for leaders of parties that participated in the anti-fascist movement alongside the BNP at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Acknowledging concerns raised by several alliance leaders, the Prime Minister said he respected their views and expressed regret for any shortcomings.

"I understand their concerns and frustrations. They are my seniors, and I sincerely express my regret if there have been any shortcomings," he said.

Urging the alliance partners to remain patient, Tarique said the government's foremost responsibility is to fulfil the expectations of the people.

"The people have placed enormous expectations on us. Let us work together to meet those expectations first. We were together before, we are together now, and we will remain together," he said.

He stressed that differences of opinion over implementing the alliance's 31-point reform agenda should not be mistaken for divisions.

"There may be different views on how to implement certain reforms, but there is no misunderstanding among us. We are united by a common goal and a shared purpose," he said.

The Prime Minister said the alliance would continue working to implement both the 31-point state reform agenda and the July National Charter.

Emphasising the importance of unity, Tarique said the people had entrusted the alliance with leading the country and that preserving public confidence was essential.

"The people have given us a responsibility. We must fulfil that responsibility first. We must protect the country's independence, sovereignty, economy and the security of its people. The interests of the people must come before everything else," he said.

Tarique said his government inherited a weakened economy, damaged institutions and administrative challenges but had already begun implementing key reform commitments.

He highlighted measures including the waiver of agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000, the introduction of Farmers' Cards and Family Cards, and reforms in the health, education and expatriate welfare sectors.

While acknowledging that progress had been slower than expected, he attributed the delays to obstacles within the administration and expressed confidence that the government would continue advancing its reform agenda with public support.

Without naming any political party, Tarique also criticised what he described as "covert forces" that had remained absent during the anti-autocracy movement but later sought to claim credit after the previous regime's fall.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister assured alliance leaders that their concerns would be given due consideration.

"This is not a farewell dinner. If there is to be any farewell, it should be for the fallen autocratic regime and the covert forces—not for those who fought together. We were together, we are together, and, God willing, we will remain together," he said.