Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said his government has already begun implementing the promises made by his party, BNP, to the people before the national election.
“After the formation of the BNP government with the people’s mandate, we have started implementing all the promises made to the people before the election in a gradual manner, Alhamdulillah,” he said.
Tarique Rahman, also chairman of the ruling BNP, made the remarks while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the monthly honorarium scheme for imams, muazzins and khadems of mosques, as well as heads and assistant heads of other religious institutions across the country.
At the event held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, the prime minister formally launched the programme by pressing a button on the IBAS system to transfer honorariums to the bank accounts of beneficiaries through the EFT system under a pilot scheme.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to reducing economic inequality by creating employment opportunities, the premier said the BNP had pledged before the election to ensure better living conditions for people by providing financial assistance and creating jobs for economically disadvantaged groups.
He said the government has already started implementing those commitments.
Referring to ongoing initiatives, Tarique Rahman said the government has introduced the “Family Card” programme for financially disadvantaged women, which will gradually be expanded across the country.
He also announced that the “Farmer Card” or “Krishok Card” programme will be launched on April 14, the first day of the Bengali New Year (Pahela Baishakh).
The prime minister further said the government’s canal excavation programme will begin in Dinajpur on March 16.
Speaking about the newly launched honorarium scheme, he said the programme for khatibs, imams, muazzins and religious leaders of other faiths has started from today and will gradually include all eligible beneficiaries across the country.
He said the government will make its utmost effort, within the capacity of the state, to ensure economic and social security for all citizens regardless of religion, caste or profession.
Highlighting the responsibilities of citizens, Tarique Rahman said that if people properly fulfil their responsibilities toward the state and society, Bangladesh could become politically and economically self-reliant within the next decade.
He stressed the importance of empowering citizens politically and economically to build a strong and stable state.
“If citizens are kept weak, the state can never be strong,” he said, adding that the government aims to establish a strong foundation so that no authoritarian or oppressive forces can undermine the people’s freedom in the future.
The prime minister also emphasised the importance of religious, social and moral values in building a healthy society.
He said that while economic prosperity can improve people’s material conditions, qualities such as patience, honesty, gratitude, respect, tolerance and responsibility are essential for building a complete human being.
To achieve such qualities, he said, inspiration from religious, social and moral values is important.
He also noted that the teachings of religion play a significant role in building a peaceful society free from revenge and violence, adding that religious leaders have an important role in promoting moral values among people.
After his speech, the prime minister joined beneficiaries for a photo session on the stage.
LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir spoke at the function as the guest of honour. Prime Minister’s Adviser for Public Administration and President of the cell formed to implement the honorarium programme Md Ismail Zabiullah attended as special guest, while Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad) presided over the event.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad delivered the welcome address.
Among others, Shaykh-e-Charmonai Mufti Syed Fayzul Karim, Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Mufti Muhibbullahil Baki, Pesh Imam of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque Mufti Saiful Islam, Khatib of Dhanmondi Taqwa Mosque, valiant freedom fighter Uday Sankar Chakraborty, General Secretary of Sri Ramakrishna Ashram Kurigram, Dharma Mitra Mahathero, Head of the International Buddhist Monastery in Dhaka, and Archbishop of Dhaka Bejoy N D’Cruze also spoke at the programme.
