PM pledges to double Bangladeshi citizens’ income

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday said the BNP government’s political vision is focused on improving the livelihoods of ordinary citizens and doubling their income over the coming years.

“Those earning Tk5,000 today, we want their income to rise to Tk10,000 soon. For those earning Tk2,000, we aim to implement policies that will help them double their earnings,” the premier said while addressing a public rally on the bank of Sahapara Canal in Balrampur of Dinajpur after inaugurating the nationwide canal excavation programme.

The programme, launched with the excavation of the 12-kilometre Sahapara Canal, is part of a broader initiative to re-excavate rivers, canals and water bodies across the country to improve irrigation, manage water resources, reduce flooding and boost agriculture.

Tarique Rahman said that once completed, the canal will provide irrigation to 1,200 hectares of land and benefit around 3,50,000 people, potentially increasing crop production by 60,000 metric tons.

Highlighting the government’s ongoing social programmes, the Prime Minister mentioned the Family Card project, targeting four crore women-led families and the soon-to-be-launched Farmer Card, designed to support small and medium farmers with access to government benefits.

Tarique Rahman also stressed environmental conservation, including tree plantation along canal banks and warned against over-extraction of groundwater, urging sustainable water management.

“The success of these development programmes depends on the people. Citizens are the true owners of this country, and public support is essential for progress,” the premier said, calling on the public to remain vigilant against attempts to create unrest.

He further noted plans to promote agro-based industries in northern districts like Dinajpur, Thakurgaon and Panchagarh to create employment and strengthen the rural economy.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain and Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, among others, were also present at the rally.