Tarique urges parties to work towards changing people’s fate

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged political parties to take a vow to work to change the fate of the people of Bangladesh.

“Let us take a pledge at this iftar gathering that our future actions will be aimed at changing the fate of the people of this country,” he said while addressing an iftar mahfil hosted by Jamaat-e-Islami at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

He said the people of the country are now looking at political parties with great hope and expectation.

“Let us pray to Almighty Allah to grant us the ability to work to improve the lives of the people of this country,” Tarique said.

Referring to the gathering, he said politicians have come together at an important time for the country. “A national election was held recently, and through that election, the journey of democracy has begun.”

For this democracy, the prime minister said, the people of Bangladesh have made sacrifices for more than a decade, facing repression, enforced disappearances and killings.

“Through these sacrifices, through the suffering of thousands and the persecution of many more, we have regained the opportunity to practice freedom of speech and our democratic rights,” he added.

The prime minister thanked Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for inviting him to the iftar programme.

At the iftar, the prime minister and Jamaat Ameer Shafiqur Rahman sat at the same table. Senior leaders of the BNP and Jamaat were also present.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, BNP Standing Committee members Mirza Abbas and Abdul Moyeen Khan, Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis Ameer Mamunul Haque, Jamaat Nayeb-e-Ameer and MP Syed Abdullah Mohammad Taher, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party (Jagpa) spokesperson Rashed Prodhan, National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary and MP Akhter Hossen, its Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, Liberal Democratic Party President Oli Ahmed, DUCSU Vice-President Abu Shadik Kayem, members of parliament, distinguished persons and journalists, along with people from various professions, attended the event.