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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the opposition was displeased with the proposed tax increase on alcohol and cigarettes in the upcoming budget. The Prime Minister made these remarks on Saturday (June 13) as the chief guest at a public rally organized after inaugurating the re-excavation of the Patli Canal in PMkhali, Cox’s Bazar Sadar.
Addressing the rally, chaired by Cox’s Bazar Sadar BNP convener Subedar Major Abdul Mabud and moderated by member secretary and former chairman Gias Uddin Jiku, Tarique Rahman said, “We are not paying attention to the opposition’s illogical objections. Our government’s primary goal is to protect the interests of the common people, make all land in remote areas arable to increase the country’s food production, and ensure self-sufficiency.”
Declaring BNP as a party of the common people that believes in working for their development, the Prime Minister said, “To ensure the country’s progress, the welfare of farmers and common people must be accelerated. Agricultural assistance will be ensured through farmer cards to help poor farmers with their cultivation. I request the people of the country to trust the government.”
Sadar constituency MP Lutfor Rahman Kajol said, “The Bakkhali River is the sorrow of Cox’s Bazar. Erosion along its banks troubles the people living on both sides, sweeping away crops.” He urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Ministry of Water Resources to construct durable embankments on both sides of the river.
Mentioning that many people in the district are climate refugees and landless, MP Kajol added, “Many live on or at the foothills of hills. They are always fearful of being evicted. My demand to the government is that they should be rehabilitated or allocated Khas land before any eviction takes place.”
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anny, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain, and PMkhali Union BNP President, among others, also spoke at the meeting.
Earlier, today at 11 AM, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the re-excavation work of the Patli Canal, which holds memories of his father. He initiated the re-excavation work by digging soil with his own hands.
Meanwhile, despite continuous rain and adverse weather, excitement was observed across Cox’s Bazar surrounding the Prime Minister’s visit. Numerous people gathered at the canal bank to witness the Prime Minister’s presence.