Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called for a national effort to build a prosperous, democratic, and environmentally sustainable Bangladesh, saying that protecting the environment and nurturing future generations through education, culture, sports, and moral values are critical to the country’s long-term development.
He said that achieving those goals would not be possible for the government alone, stressing the need for the media, civil society, and citizens to work collectively to help shape a responsible, skilled, and value-driven generation capable of leading the nation forward.
He made the remarks while exchanging views with reporters at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital.
‘As prime minister, I feel an enormous weight of responsibility. There are countless problems and many limitations, yet people from all walks of life have high expectations. It is undoubtedly a tremendous pressure,’ Tarique said.
‘The government cannot do everything alone. Your cooperation is essential. If you support us, we will be able to understand whether our work is progressing well or where improvements are needed.’
Referring to June 16 as the ‘Black Day for Newspapers’ in Bangladesh, the Prime Minister recalled how all but four newspapers were closed in 1975, noting that the country’s media sector has since evolved into a vibrant and diverse landscape. He recalled that after assuming leadership, the late president Ziaur Rahman reintroduced multiparty democracy and removed restrictions imposed on the press.
The prime minister also thanked reporters for their role during years of political struggle, particularly for highlighting incidents of repression and standing alongside opposition activists despite facing intimidation and hardship themselves.
Furthermore, Tarique urged citizens to move away from a culture of revenge and instead focus on what can be done for the country, society, and future generations.
‘If something wrong has happened to us, taking revenge will not restore what was lost. We should ask ourselves what we can do for the nation and its people,’ he said.
Expressing concern over growing social challenges among young people, including drug abuse and excessive engagement with social media, the prime minister argued that law enforcement alone cannot solve the problem.
He said that young people need constructive avenues to channel their physical and mental energy, including sports, cultural activities, debate competitions, science fairs, and innovation programmes.
The prime minister also voiced concern about a decline in social and moral values among some sections of the younger generation, citing instances of people recording acts of violence on mobile phones rather than intervening or raising their voices in protest.
‘We cannot build a better future simply by handing out certificates. We must also instil values, compassion, and a sense of responsibility,’ he said.
Turning to the proposed national budget, Tarique explained that higher duties had been imposed on selected imported goods to safeguard local industries producing similar products. He stressed that boosting domestic production while simultaneously increasing citizens’ purchasing power will be crucial to maintaining economic growth and generating jobs.
