A state can never be strong by keeping its citizens weak: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the BNP government has initiated the implementation of its electoral pledges shortly after the election. He remarked that a state can never be strong while its citizens remain weak.

He made these comments on Saturday morning during the inauguration ceremony of a remuneration program for service providers of various religious institutions, held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Tarique Rahman said, "Before the national election, we promised to eliminate economic disparity by providing financial assistance or creating employment for people from various classes and professions who are economically disadvantaged. After forming the government with the people's mandate, we have begun implementing all our promises sequentially, even before the election ink has faded from our fingernails."

Announcing that the 'Family Card' has already been launched for economically backward women, the Prime Minister said, "Gradually, everyone across the country will receive this card. The 'Farmers Card' will be launched on April 14, coinciding with Pohela Boishakh. Additionally, a canal excavation program will commence from Dinajpur on March 16."

"Starting today, the financial assistance program for Khatibs, Imams, Muezzins, and religious leaders of other faiths has been initiated. This support will be provided periodically to everyone in need across the country," added the BNP Chairman.

The Prime Minister further stated, "By ensuring the political and economic empowerment of every citizen, we want to establish our country on such a strong foundation that no fascism or subservient evil force can ever strip away the people's freedom again."

He emphasized, "A state cannot be strong by keeping its citizens weak." Tarique Rahman also assured that the government would use its full state capacity to ensure the financial and social security of every citizen, regardless of religion, caste, or profession.

Noting that citizens also have certain responsibilities, the Prime Minister said, "If we, as citizens, correctly perform our respective duties toward the state and society from our own positions, I hope to see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh within the next 10 years."

He added, "Today, people of all religions are sitting together. We are in the same row. This is our traditional, age-old Bangladesh. No one should be allowed to create division or conflict among us."

The Prime Minister called upon Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, believers, non-believers, and skeptics to live together and build a safe state and society.

Earlier in the program, Tarique Rahman formally inaugurated the remuneration program for those serving in various religious institutions. Under this new pilot project, a monthly allocation of 10,000 BDT has been fixed for each mosque. Within this, the Imam will receive 5,000 BDT, the Muezzin 3,000 BDT, and the Khadem 2,000 BDT.