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.