Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday called on the people of Bangladesh to unite in a collective pledge for rebuilding the nation, saying that the government’s primary focus is now nation-building through planned development and implementation of election commitments.
He made the remarks while addressing two separate public gatherings in Chandpur District, where he inaugurated canal re-excavation projects, including the Khorddo Canal at Waruk Bazar in Shahrasti Upazila and the historic “Bishwa Khal” in Kumarduli Village under Sadar Upazila.
At the Khorddo Canal site, the Prime Minister said the country’s future depends on coordinated development efforts, urging citizens to move beyond aspirations and focus on concrete planning and execution. He linked the canal excavation initiative to agricultural benefits, stressing that restoring water flow would directly support farmers and rural livelihoods.
Referring to historical context, he noted that the Khorddo Canal was originally excavated in 1978 under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, adding that its re-excavation after decades symbolises renewed commitment to rural development.
Thousands of supporters gathered along the canal banks welcomed the Prime Minister with slogans and applause as he inaugurated the project by cutting soil with a spade and planting saplings nearby.
Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, local lawmaker Mominul Haque, Chandpur BNP General Secretary Advocate Salim Ullah Selim, Shahrasti Upazila BNP President Ayat Ali Bhuiyan and Vice President Abu Yusuf Rupam were also present on the occasion.
At the second event, the Prime Minister said the government is already implementing several election pledges, including canal restoration, family and farmer cards, financial support for religious workers, tree plantation programmes and youth employment initiatives.
He warned that any attempt to obstruct these development activities would ultimately be resisted by the people themselves. “If anyone tries to block these initiatives, the people of Bangladesh will defeat such conspiracies,” he said, adding that public support remains the government’s main strength.
Tarique Rahman also urged vigilance against what he described as misinformation and attempts to create confusion over government programmes, saying that such actions would harm ordinary citizens, particularly farmers, workers and job seekers.
Reiterating his government’s vision, he said the goal is to improve living standards and rebuild the country step by step through sustained development work.
He called on citizens to remain united, saying that national progress depends on collective effort and determination.
Local Member of Parliament and Chandpur District BNP President Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik also spoke at the event.
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