Tarique Rahman Warns of Challenging Times Ahead

Tarique Rahman Warns of Challenging Times Ahead, Urges BNP Leaders to Support Government Efforts

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday warned that Bangladesh faces a critical period ahead and urged party leaders, activists, and supporters not to squander the opportunity through complacency or carelessness.

Speaking at a discussion organized by the BNP at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium to mark the 45th martyrdom anniversary of party founder and former President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said his government remains committed to fulfilling the aspirations of the people through the implementation of the BNP's election manifesto.

“The current government is running the state inspired by the philosophy of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Our main objective is to fulfill the hopes and expectations of the people through implementing the commitments we made before the election,” he said.

Tarique stressed that the government alone cannot achieve its goals without the active participation of BNP leaders and grassroots workers across the country.

“An extremely difficult but important time lies ahead. If we spend this period carelessly, the country may suffer irreparable damage that will affect future generations,” he said. “We must work together to build the country in the way Shaheed Zia envisioned.”

Recalling Ziaur Rahman’s contributions, the prime minister said the former president sought to make Bangladesh self-reliant by advancing every sector of the economy and society. He noted that the BNP's election manifesto was largely based on Zia’s principles and development philosophy.

Addressing party activists, Tarique said the success achieved in the February 12 election must now be translated into successful governance.

“We won the election through hard work and public support. Now we must prove ourselves as a successful government by implementing our promises. That responsibility does not belong only to ministers and lawmakers—it belongs to every BNP worker,” he said.

He emphasized that the party's 214 Members of Parliament and 50 cabinet members alone cannot ensure success. Effective implementation of government programs will require active engagement from BNP leaders and activists nationwide.

Tarique described the current administration as a political government with a clear ideology, policy framework, and electoral mandate. He said the people endorsed the BNP's plans by voting for the party's electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy, in the February election.

“The manifesto ceased to be merely the BNP’s manifesto after the election. It became the people’s manifesto, and it is now our responsibility to implement it,” he said.

Reaffirming his government's commitment to strengthening democracy, justice, education, and healthcare, Tarique argued that many of the aspirations of the Liberation War remained unfulfilled and that these institutions had weakened significantly over the past 17 years.

He also highlighted the importance of family and social values, saying he had instructed relevant authorities to take steps to strengthen family-based education and social responsibility.

Reflecting on his father’s legacy, Tarique said Ziaur Rahman played a pivotal role in introducing Bangladesh to the world.

“For many people around the globe, Bangladesh meant Ziaur Rahman. As his son, that makes me proud,” he said.

Calling on party members to renew their commitment on the anniversary of Zia’s death, Tarique noted the BNP’s role in the political movement of August 5, 2024, and its subsequent electoral victory in February 2026.

“Let us now work together to implement the manifesto that the people voted for. Only by becoming a successful government can we truly honor the memory of Shaheed Zia,” he said.

The discussion was chaired by BNP Secretary General and Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Senior BNP leaders, academics, and public figures attended the event and paid tribute to Ziaur Rahman’s life and contributions. A minute of silence and special prayers were also held in his memory.