Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on people from all sections of society to extend their support to the government, saying that collective cooperation is essential to move Bangladesh towards developed-nation status.
Speaking at a public gathering after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Basia River in Kashipur Union, he said the government’s foremost responsibility is to safeguard public interests and address their problems.
“This government is your government. You brought it to power through your votes. Its primary duty is to serve the people and resolve their issues,” he said, urging nationwide support for development initiatives.
He also said that progress could only be achieved through joint efforts, adding, “If everyone stands by us, we can move Bangladesh forward and place it alongside developed nations.”
Referring to the last election held on 12 February, the Prime Minister said the mandate was given to a government committed to public welfare. He stressed that accountability lies solely with the people and that all government actions are aimed at their benefit.
He further pointed to unemployment concerns in Sylhet, noting a shortage of industries in the region. He said the government had pledged before the election to reopen closed factories under a BNP-led administration.
“We have already begun reviewing closed factories with Industries Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir and will reopen them gradually,” he said.
The Prime Minister added that efforts are also underway to create employment opportunities abroad for young people.
Emphasising action over words, he remarked, “Less talk, more work. Now is the time to build the country.”
Several ministers and advisers, including Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, and Adviser Humayun Kabir, attended the programme.
The Basia River, which links the Surma River and Kushiyara River, had long lost navigability. Its re-excavation has been taken up by the Ministry of Water Resources following local demand.
During the event, the Prime Minister formally launched the project by cutting soil with a spade earlier in the day.
He said the canal, originally excavated in 1977 by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, had gradually become silted and unusable.
The project is expected to benefit around 80,000 farmers directly and 1,50,000 indirectly, while increasing crop production by about 7,000 metric tonnes in the surrounding areas.
The government also plans similar canal re-excavation projects across the country, with work already underway in about 60 locations.
Under the programme, a 23-kilometre stretch of the Basia canal will be restored in phases over two dry seasons, with work resuming after the monsoon in November and expected to be completed next year.
In addition, around 50,000 trees will be planted along both sides of the canal to protect it and provide environmental and community benefits.
