PM urges vigilance over referendum, July Charter misinformation

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday called on citizens to remain alert to what he described as deliberate efforts to mislead the public over the referendum verdict and the July National Charter.

“Some individuals and political parties are trying to take the issue in a different direction to create confusion and unrest. Everyone must be aware of those who are distorting the referendum result and the July National Charter for their own political interests,” he said while addressing a brief rally in Sharsha upazila of Jashore, after inaugurating the re-excavation of the historic Ulashi (Zia) canal.

PM Tarique, also chairman of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), made the remarks at a time when the main opposition Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and its allies are carrying out nationwide programmes pressing for implementation of the referendum verdict in line with the July Charter.

He alleged that “vested quarters” were seeking to incite unrest and, failing that, would attempt to obstruct public welfare initiatives such as “Family Card” and “Farmer Card”,  river and canal excavation, youth employment schemes, reopening of closed mills, doorstep healthcare services and afforestation drives.

“The people must play their responsible role so that no one can hinder the country’s progress. We will fully implement the July National Charter signed by the political parties gradually,” he said.

Referring to the political transition of 5 August 2024, the prime minister said the public had already delivered a decisive response and would do so again if provoked. 

He urged citizens to commit themselves to national development, adding, “We have 20 crore people with 40 crore hands. We don’t have time to sit idle. We must use our hands properly to rebuild the country and change people’s lives.”

Drawing a comparison with Singapore’s rapid development, he said, “The situation in Singapore was worse than ours in 1971. If they can, why can’t we? Insha Allah, we can do it too.”

In an apparent reference to opposition forces, Tarique accused them of repeatedly creating instability since independence. 

He recalled the economic strain caused by prolonged hartals, saying, “We experienced 173 days of hartal… The same ghost has returned. We must remain alert.”

Highlighting the Ulashi canal project, he said its re-excavation would directly benefit around 20 farmers and indirectly support 72 others, increasing food grain production by roughly 1,400 tonnes. 

Around 3,000 trees will be planted along its banks, while improved water flow is expected to support duck farming in the area.

The prime minister also announced plans to introduce an “LPG Card” to ease household cooking, particularly for women, by ensuring access to clean fuel. 

“Half of our population is women,” he noted, adding that the government intends to expand cashless education for girls up to degree level, alongside stipends for high achievers.

He paid tribute to BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, who originally oversaw the canal’s excavation through voluntary work.

In a separate programme, PM Tarique Rahman laid the foundation stone of a 500-bed Jashore Medical College Hospital at Harinar Beel in Chachra, marking a major step in expanding regional healthcare infrastructure. 

A special prayer was offered for the late Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia, as well as for the country’s peace and prosperity.

Addressing the gathering, he reiterated his government’s commitment to accessible healthcare. 

“Our target is to reach healthcare services to people’s doorsteps as soon as possible,” he said, emphasising both treatment and preventive care. “If the nation is not healthy, we will lag behind.”

The Jashore Medical College project, approved during Khaleda Zia’s tenure, faced delays during the subsequent Awami League regime despite beginning student admissions in 2010-11. 

Academic activities moved to its own campus in 2016, and a 500-bed hospital was approved in 2023, with construction now progressing under the current administration.

The prime minister also announced that a nationwide athlete development programme will begin on 2 May, with 500 young players receiving training and recognition in the first phase.

Separately, speaking at the historic Jashore Institute Public Library, he underscored the importance of fostering a reading culture among children. 

He outlined plans to reduce reliance on mobile devices by introducing book-based learning initiatives in schools.

Working with educationists, including Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed, the government will select two primary schools in each upazila, providing students with non-political, knowledge-based books covering a range of subjects. 

These materials will also be incorporated into examinations to encourage engagement.

Later, addressing a large rally at Jashore Eidgah ground, Tarique pledged to pass the full July National Charter in parliament. 

“Every condition, every line of the charter will be passed by the BNP in parliament, Insha Allah,” he said.

He warned against what he described as recurring attempts to mislead the public, drawing parallels with past political upheavals. 

“Those who tried to confuse people during the War of Independence, in 1986 and again in 2009, are back in 2026,” he said.

Rejecting allegations that the BNP had aligned with authoritarian elements, he said, “The people know well who the real friends of fascism are.” 

He added that his party had called for accountability following the violence of 5 August, while accusing unnamed groups of secretly engaging with “collaborators of the ousted regime”.

“We want to work for the betterment of the country… Bangladesh first,” he said, as thousands of supporters responded with raised hands and slogans.