Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that everyone must remain united in the task of building the country, just as they worked together before the election. He said the government wants to work alongside Islamic scholars and religious leaders for the country’s development and the welfare of its people.

The prime minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting held at Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari on Sunday afternoon.

As promised to Islamic scholars before the election, Tarique Rahman visited Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari and met with Allama Shah Mahibullah Babunagari, Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.

At the meeting, the prime minister said, “Before the election, I promised Huzur that I would come. By the grace of Allah, we have formed the government. Today, Allah has blessed me with the opportunity to come and meet my respected Huzur.”

He said the country was saved from a crisis during the last election with the support of Islamic scholars. However, the country’s problems have not yet been fully resolved.

The prime minister also alleged that the country’s wealth and resources were looted and siphoned abroad during the previous government. As a result, he said, the people are now having to bear the consequences of various problems.

Regarding the gas and electricity crisis, Tarique Rahman said people are paying the price for unplanned development in the past. He expressed hope that the ongoing gas shortage would ease considerably within the next five to seven days.

“We want to build a Bangladesh where the people and their children can live with food and basic necessities, and live in peace. Everyone will be able to practise their respective religions and live peacefully,” he said.

The prime minister said ensuring a peaceful environment would encourage both domestic and foreign investors to invest in the country. This would create employment opportunities and improve people’s living standards.

Calling on everyone to remain united against recent attempts by various quarters to create confusion and disorder, he said, “Just as we worked together before the election, we must remain together in the task of building the country after the election.”

He said the government must ensure healthcare, education and employment for the people and develop necessary infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, colleges, madrasas, roads, bridges and culverts. Ensuring that people can live in peace, he added, is the government’s primary objective.

Describing Islamic scholars as partners of the government, Tarique Rahman said, “You are not directly part of the government, but you are partners of the government.” He stressed that guiding the people in the right direction and taking the country forward is not solely the responsibility of the government.

Earlier, as part of his visit to Cox’s Bazar and Chattogram districts, BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Fatikchhari by helicopter from Banshkhali at around 3:20pm on Sunday.

After the helicopter landed at Pelagazi Dighi field in Fatikchhari, local people waiting there welcomed him enthusiastically. Tarique Rahman waved to them in response.