Stand by people, help uphold law and order

BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last night
instructed party leaders to stand by the people in addressing the country’s
ongoing problems, saying people across the country are looking to the party
with high expectations.
“People are looking at the party with many hopes. So all
leaders and activists here, and across the country, must remain patient and
stay within the bounds of law and order,” he said.
“There are many problems in the country. We have to explain
things to the people, stand by them, and help them remain patient.”
Tarique made the remarks from the second-floor balcony of
the BNP central office in Naya Paltan while addressing leaders, activists, and
supporters of the ruling party.
It was his first visit to the office since taking office as
prime minister, and he spent around two hours there.
At about 7:20pm, Tarique got out of his car and entered the
office, waving at supporters and activists.
At the entrance, BNP Standing Committee member and Home
Minister Salahuddin Ahmed welcomed him as thousands of leaders and activists
greeted him with applause and slogans.
The large gathering had halted traffic in the area since the
afternoon.
Referring to the disruption, Tarique said, “Things that
cause suffering and inconvenience for people cannot be allowed.”
“Now the number one task is to clear this road.”
He warned that such disorder would make it difficult for him
to visit the office.
“The road must remain normal so that I can come to the
office. If I have your support, I will be able to come. If I do not, I will not
be able to,” he said.
“Do you want me to come to the office?” he questioned.
When the crowd responded positively, the BNP chief said,
“Then you must cooperate and keep the environment normal.”
“I will come again here. If I find things normal, I will
come more often. But this kind of road blockade cannot be allowed.”
“If the road is blocked like this, it will not be possible
for me to come. Visiting the office allows me to meet leaders and activists and
carry out organisational work…”
He stressed that people’s movement must not be obstructed
and asked supporters to clear the road within half an hour.
“If you act like this, people in the area will suffer.
Thousands will suffer. We do not want to cause people’s suffering. Isn’t that
right?” said the prime minister.
Later, Tarique held a meeting with ministers and lawmakers.
At the meeting, 45 MPs were selected to take part in
constructive discussions and speak in parliament, and senior party leaders
advised them accordingly.
BNP lawmakers were also asked to be prepared to make
constructive statements in parliament on issues raised by the opposition.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and
several cabinet members were present.
Meanwhile, after news spread of Tarique’s visit, leaders and
activists of the ruling BNP and its associate bodies began gathering in Naya
Paltan and nearby areas from the afternoon.
They occupied stretches from the Nightingale intersection to
the Fakirapool intersection, blocking traffic on one side of the road.
Law enforcers were deployed in and around Naya Paltan, along
with members of agencies responsible for the prime minister’s security.
Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman
Ruman said Tarique also worked in his chamber and discussed organisational
activities with leaders of the party and its associate bodies.
Tarique returned to the country on December 25 last year
after nearly two decades abroad and last visited the party’s central office on
December 29.
After the BNP won the 13th national parliamentary election
on February 12, he assumed office as prime minister on February 17.
















