Online Desk 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged opposition political parties to present concrete plans for the country’s development instead of misleading the public, saying the government will consider and implement better proposals, including those aimed at resolving the ongoing power and gas shortages.

“If any political party has a better plan than the government to address the country’s electricity and gas crises, we will accept and implement it,” the prime minister said. “But if they spread propaganda only to mislead the people, they will have to seek forgiveness from the people.”

He made the remarks on Saturday at a programme marking the 82nd birth anniversary of former prime minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. The event, held at the T&T ground in Dhaka’s Mohakhali, included the distribution of cheques among distressed, helpless and sick people. A special prayer was also offered for the departed soul of Khaleda Zia.

Tarique Rahman said the people of Bangladesh want to see an improvement in their lives and want the country to move steadily forward.

“To change people’s fortunes and move the country forward, we have to transform the 400 million hands of 200 million people into productive hands and workers,” he said.

The prime minister said misleading the public is not the responsibility of a politician. Rather, politicians should teach people patience and show them the right path.

Call to End Confrontational Politics

Tarique Rahman said the era of politics based on disorder was over, arguing that the previous authoritarian government had relied on misinformation and disorder.

“Today’s politicians have made commitments to the people for development,” he said, urging opposition parties to abandon reckless and confusing politics and present plans focused on public welfare.

He also said there was no longer any place for politics involving vandalism and destruction on the streets, adding that people no longer support such politics.

Referring to development activities in Dhaka-17 constituency, the prime minister said representatives of his party were working to serve local residents.

“Cleaning the nearby lake takes six months. These are not easy tasks, but criticism is easy,” he said.

He urged those engaged in criticism to come forward and work for the people and the country, while refraining from statements that could create disorder.

Accuses Rivals of Spreading Misinformation

Tarique Rahman said BNP leaders and activists had remained on the streets during the party’s struggle against authoritarian rule.

He alleged that many of those now speaking loudly and spreading misinformation had not been seen on the streets during the previous 17 years.

He also referred to reports of attacks, enforced disappearances and killings of BNP leaders and activists during that period.

The prime minister further accused an unnamed political party of making political mistakes in 1971, 1986 and 1996, and again attempting to mislead people in 2026.

“I urge them to come out of this politics of provocation,” he said. “If you have plans that can benefit the people, present them in parliament and before the public. We will work according to those plans.”

Abdur Rahman Sani, Assistant Private Secretary-2 to the Prime Minister and representative of the Dhaka-17 constituency, chaired the programme.