Dhaka: BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman declared today that his administration has embarked on a plan to gradually reopen factories that have been closed in previous years. ‘We’ve taken initiatives to restart the factories that were shut down in previous years. I have instructed all concerned to determine how quickly each factory can be reopened to ensure employment for unemployed workers. There is a meeting on this matter this week,’ said Rahman while addressing a Sramik rally held in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office this afternoon on the occasion of International Workers’ Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the rally was organized by the Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal with its President Anwar Hossain presiding. Tarique Rahman, arriving at the venue at 4:19 pm, was greeted with slogans and applause from thousands of attendees. In his address, he acknowledged that reopening closed factories would not alone solve unemployment and stressed the need for creating more job opportunities both domestically and internationally.
Rahman highlighted ongoing discussions with foreign and local investors to encourage investment and the establishment of new factories within the country. He emphasized that a thriving workforce is essential for the nation’s prosperity, stating, ‘If workers stay well, Bangladesh will stay well. If farmers stay well, Bangladesh will stay well.’
Addressing the issue of street hawkers removed due to traffic concerns, the Prime Minister acknowledged their need for employment and insisted that evicted hawkers should also be provided with job opportunities. He reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring employment for all working people.
Rahman paid tribute to the workers who died during significant historical events, including the Liberation War of 1971, the anti-autocracy movement in 1990, and the student-people movement in 2024. He recalled the mass movement on August 5, 2024, which saw the ousting of autocracy, and criticized the economic mismanagement under previous regimes that led to the closure of industries and factories.
Reflecting on his party’s election commitments, Rahman highlighted the implementation of a 31-point plan for state rebuilding and reform, which included initiatives like the Family Card for women and the Farmer Card for agricultural support. He also reiterated plans to develop professional athletes through competitions like the ‘Notun Kuri (Sports) Competition.’
Rahman credited the country’s democratic progress since the February 12 election for industrial and economic development, noting Bangladesh’s recognition as an ’emerging tiger’ under former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s leadership. He warned against factions that oppose democratic progress and are attempting to tarnish Bangladesh’s global reputation.
Concluding his speech, Rahman invoked the rallying cry ‘Korbo Kaj, Gorbo Desh, Sobar Agee Bangladesh (We will work and build the country, Bangladesh first)’ to inspire attendees to contribute to nation-building. He called upon the audience to embrace this vision, reminding them of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman’s exhortation regarding Bangladesh as their ultimate destination.
The event marked Tarique Rahman’s first rally in Nayapaltan since becoming Prime Minister, with notable figures like BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and other party leaders addressing the gathering. Despite adverse weather, the rally saw enthusiastic participation, with attendees donning red caps and T-shirts and brandishing banners in a celebratory display of solidarity.