Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said it will be possible to gradually build the “desired Bangladesh” if people at every level carry out their responsibilities properly.
“We all have specific duties and if each of us perform our responsibilities properly from our respective positions, then, InshaAllah, we will be able to gradually build the country we aspire to see,” he said.
Tarique, also the Chairman of the ruling BNP, made the remarks while addressing a feast hosted for Army officers and soldiers at Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Army’s “Mrittunjoyee Potchis” East Bengal Regiment at the Zia Colony in the Dhaka Cantonment.
He said the government is trying to build the country in line with the hopes and expectations of both soldiers and ordinary people.
“We are trying to gradually shape the country the way soldiers and common people want and expect to see it,” the Prime Minister said.
“I could not stay in Bangladesh for many years. I am not going into why I could not stay away from the country, though many of you know what happened during that period. We want to take the country to a better place,” he said.
Tarique Rahman urged everyone to pray to Allah on Eid day so that all could fulfil their responsibilities properly.
“We pray that through performing our duties, we can keep our families and the people of the country safe and gradually build the Bangladesh we expect,” he said.
Highlighting the sacrifices of Army personnel, the Prime Minister thanked officers and soldiers who could not go on leave during Eid because of their duties.
“People naturally want to stay with their families during Eid. I sincerely thank you for the sacrifice you have made. The country and the nation will always remember your sacrifices with gratitude,” he said. You too want your family members to remain safe when they go outside, just like any ordinary citizen. We are trying to ensure that safety for everyone.”
Tarique Rahman said the government is aware of the issues related to the welfare and responsibilities of Army personnel.
Referring to a video presentation made at the programme, he said it depicted both the achievements of the soldiers and their courageous role during a tragic incident in which the offices of two newspapers – The Daily Star and Prothom Alo – were set on fire in December last year.
“We saw how nearly 18 journalists were rescued from the burning buildings by Army personnel. This is undoubtedly worthy of praise,” the Prime Minister said.
He said soldiers sacrifice their lives when needed for the country and its people, and it is the responsibility of all to properly honour and value those sacrifices.
“The first condition of honouring such sacrifices is that we all want to see our country prosper and move forward,” Tarique Rahman said.
He said people from all walks of life dream of a beautiful country where children can receive proper education and family members, including parents, spouses, children and relatives, can access healthcare services.
Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue accompanied by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (retd) AKM Shamsul Islam.
He exchanged Eid greetings with officers, soldiers and their children standing in rows at the venue.
Tarique Rahman also planted a neem sapling in front of the “Mrittunjoyee Potchis” building and signed the visitors’ book.
At the beginning of his speech, the Prime Minister recalled many memories of his childhood spent in Dhaka Cantonment.
He said while entering the cantonment through Staff Road, he suddenly felt as if he had gone back around 45 to 46 years in time.
Tarique Rahman recalled visiting Combined Military Hospital during the mid-1970s and spoke about old buildings, cement benches and the then staff surgeon Major Anwar.
He also remembered cycling around the cantonment with friends in the afternoons during his childhood.
“This whole area is very old. At that time, it was almost like a jungle with foxes and monkeys around. There was hardly anything here. Now you see a beautiful place,” the Prime Minister said.
He said the cantonment remains deeply connected with his life and memories of happiness, pain, struggle and joy.
Calling the cantonment a place where he grew up from childhood, Tarique Rahman said visiting the area always creates “a different feeling.”
After offering Zohr prayers at the mosque inside the Army Mess, he exchanged Eid greetings with the Army officers and soldiers present there.
The Prime Minister also enquired after the living conditions and well-being of soldiers staying at the mess.
MSH
