Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today said some political parties and individuals are trying to create anarchy by spreading confusion on some recent crisis.

“Of course, there are some problems in the country. But by taking advantage of these problems, some political parties and individuals are trying to create confusion in different ways aimed at pushing the country to anarchy,” he said. 

The Prime Minister was addressing a discussion on 48th founding anniversary of BNP at the Bangladesh Krishibid Institution auditorium here this afternoon.

The Prime Minister said, “We are trying to resolve the problems those we have inherited either from autocratic regime or the interim government. We never say that there are no problems.” 

Tarique Rahman said, “The people of Bangladesh have entrusted this government with the responsibility of running the country. Certainly, we will uphold the democratic process. We will try our best to uphold the democratic principles and ethics."

He warned against attempts to create anarchy, saying “If anyone wants to create anarchy the law will take own course to deal with it.”

Stating that the government is an elected one by the people of the country, the premier said, “I want to urge all to remain within the limit.”

Referring to the BNP’s role during every national crisis, the Prime Minister said, “At every critical moment, BNP has worked with its leaders, workers and the people to overcome the crisis.”

He said, “As the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is now entrusted with the responsibility of running the country, I, on behalf of the party, apologise to all those including common people and owners of industries and factories who are suffering from difficulties due to shortage of electricity or fuel today.”

The discussion under the slogan, “Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Shobar Age Bangladesh” began with recitation from the Holy Quran.

The Prime Minister said BNP is formulating an action plan so that the people would not face such a fuel crisis in the future.

The Prime Minister raised question whether those who remained in disguise in the autocratic regime are now active to instigate unrest.

“It is also possible that those who remained hidden behind the autocratic regime during its rule are now trying to instigate this anarchy. If that is the case, then we have to say that they are now working to bring back the autocrats to the forefront,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the possibility could not be ruled out, particularly as one of the leaders of the ‘Gupta (Covert)’ group had recently made a statement indicating that they have no objection if they (Awami League) came back.  So, it appears that they are trying to keep them hidden in each others, he added.

Calling on party leaders and activists to make the people more aware, the Tarique Rahman said, “Since 1971 they are giving shelter to each other. Therefore, their politics must now be exposed before the people.”

He said BNP has always safeguarded the interests and democratic rights of the people. That’s why, in every election, BNP won every election and formed the government with the support of the people.

“Now, we want to build a humane state where the rights of every citizen will be ensured,” he said.

Recalling BNP’s founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, the Prime Minister said Ziaur Rahman, Khaleda Zia and the BNP had made landmark contributions to the country’s development.

Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman declared the country’s independence and restored multiparty democracy. BNP explored overseas labour market, developed readymade garment industry and introducing free education for women, he said. 

The Prime Minister said Begum Khaleda Zia involved women in nation-building activities by introducing free education for them. She also restored parliamentary democracy in the country and introduced the non-party neutral caretaker government system, which subsequently helped Bangladesh gain recognition as an emerging tiger.

Highlighting the BNP’s role in overcoming national crisis, Tarique Rahman said the party had played an undeniable role in making the country self-sufficient in food production after 1975 and, following the fall of the autocratic regime in the 1990s, in rebuilding the devastated economy, freeing the country from the stigma of corruption and taking it forward.

Referring to the BNP’s role in leading movements on the streets despite injustice, repression and persecution over the past 16-17 years, he said, “The main “mastermind” behind the 2024 movement was the ordinary people of Bangladesh, and full credit for its success also belonged to them. BNP fought to make the struggle successful.”

At the beginning of the discussion a one-minute silence was observed in memory of BNP’s founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, former party Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia and all the martyrs.

The national anthem was played first, followed by the party anthem, and a documentary on the BNP was screened.

The discussion was chaired by BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and moderated by the party’s Publicity Secretary and state minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku.

Economist Professor Mahbub Ullah, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas, Aman Ullah Aman, Farhad Haleem and Ismail Zabiullah, Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal President Abdul Monayem Munna, Jatiotabadi Krishak Dal General Secretary Shahidul Islam Babul, Jatiotabadi Swechchhasebak Dal General Secretary Rajib Ahsan, Dhaka South City BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, Dhaka North City BNP Member Secretary Mostafa Zaman and Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal President Rakibul Islam Rakib took part in the discussion.

BNP Standing Committee members Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Salahuddin Ahmed, Selima Rahman and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, among other central leaders of the party, were present.