Avoid profiteering during Ramadan

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday delivered his maiden address to the nation, clearing his government’s main goal to build a self-reliant, safe, human and democratic Bangladesh for people of all walks of life.

“We want to make the country a safe land for every citizen. Our main goal is to establish a self-reliant, safe, humane and democratic Bangladesh,” he said in his first address to the nation, which was broadcast live by Bangladesh Television (BTV).

A new government accountable to the people has begun its journey in a Bangladesh free from submissive rule, voted by the people, he said in his address, which was aired by all other private television channels simultaneously.

“I extend my best wishes and heartfelt congratulations to the countrymen on this journey to re-establish democracy and human rights in the country,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the Almighty Allah as the country’s independence and sovereignty are protected at the cost of the lives of thousands of martyrs.

Claiming that the freedom-loving and pro-democratic people have created an opportunity to re-establish their human rights, respect and dignity, he said, adding, “The country belongs to all of us, whether we live in the hills or the plains, regardless of our religious affiliation, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or other caste or creed.”

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The new government has begun its journey with a fragile economy, weak governance structures and a deteriorating law and order situation, ravaged by the corruption and misrule of the immediate part fascist regime, he said.

“Our government’s top priority is to ensure peace and security for the people by strengthening law and order and cracking down on corruption,” he said, citing the widespread prevalence of gambling and drugs as major contributors to the country’s law and order challenges.

Therefore, the law enforcement agencies are undertaking all kinds of stricter measures to prevent the spread of gambling and drug rackets nationwide, he said, adding that his government is taking maximum initiatives to ensure peace and security in people’s lives.

The country’s every constitutional and government and private institution will operate according to statutory principles and rules, he said, warning that the rule of law will be the final word in running the state, not party or political influence.

“The Holy Ramadan will begin tomorrow (Thursday). I wish my countrymen on this occasion. The inner-meaning of the month is self-purification and if we understand the meaning, the people’s suffering is not expected to increase in this month,” he said.

Claiming that there is a common trend in businessmen in Bangladesh to make an extra profit in the month of Ramadan, he said, “My appeal to you is that in the interest of preserving the sanctity of Ramadan, you should not consider this month as a month for making profits in business.”

Tarique Rahman believes that the business community would remain alert in the holy month so that the prices of the daily essentials go beyond the reach of the commoners.

“A mafia syndicate met a fag end at the cost of thousands of lives and we assumed offices with a commitment to establish all civic rights of the people,” said the newly elected prime minister during his address to the nation on his first day of office.     

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Claiming that the BNP government is determined to eliminate all syndicates of lawlessness and irregularities in all areas, he said the current government’s approach towards all traders, whether small, medium, or large, is simple and clear, and that it wants to take necessary steps to protect the interests of both traders and consumers.

Therefore, the government is ready to listen to any suggestions or complaints you may have regarding what kind of initiatives the government should take to keep the market situation under control or to protect the interests of both buyers and sellers, Tarique Rahman said.

“Buyers, sellers and recipients, the government belongs to all of you. It is your government. You have given this government the responsibility of running the state through your votes. You are the true strength of this government,” he said.

The people who observe fasting want to get an uninterrupted power supply during Ramadan, especially at the time of Iftar, Tarabi prayers and Sahri, he said, adding that he has already ordered the respective authorities to address the issue.

Claiming that it is the religious duty of every Muslim to initiate austerity measures by preventing the waste of everything, he said, “I believe that being aware of unnecessary or excessive consumption of gas, electricity and water in offices and courts is also part of worship.”

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“I want to first call on the ministers and lawmakers to set an example by maintaining austerity measures before extending the call to all government and non-government staff and officials across the country,” he said.

In the first meeting of the BNP parliamentary party on Tuesday, Tarique Rahman said his party’s lawmakers decided that no MP will import tax-free cars or take plot benefits using the government quota.

“I told you before that if you give me the opportunity to govern the country, the BNP government will follow the Prophet’s ideal of ‘justice’. I think these decisions of the BNP parliamentary party are a reflection of the ideal of ‘justice’,” he said.

In the divisional cities, especially the capital Dhaka, traffic congestion took an almost uncontrollable turn where the city dwellers face endless difficulties in markets, offices, courts and public spaces, he said.

Unless these public hardships are reduced, peace of mind will not return, he said, adding that to ease population pressure in the capital, alternative measures have become essential.

Ensuring that people can conveniently access offices, courts and conduct business from their own districts or homes is the goal behind the nationwide overhaul of the railway system and as part of this plan, the Ministry of Railways, Shipping, Roads and Bridges is being reorganised and coordinated.

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A nationwide safe, affordable and efficient rail network will reduce urban dependence and improve the environment, said the prime minister.

There are problems everywhere, yet opportunities are abundant, he said, adding, “If we transform our large population into skilled manpower, it becomes a valuable human resource.”

By shining knowledge in science or technology, Bangladesh can access global markets and the government is committed to supporting youth development, ensuring employment and creating a congenial work environment, he said.

“After returning home on 25 December after 18 years, I told you that I have a plan and I presented the plan to you during the 12 February election campaign. You, people entrusted responsibility to BNP and from now on, we have started the implementation of the plan,” he said.