Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday urged the people of the country to remain vigilant, alleging that “clandestine forces” that do not believe in Bangladesh’s existence and independence are conspiring to create unrest by misleading the public.“Today, we sense the smell of conspiracy… You must remain united and alert against these conspirators,” he said while addressing a public rally organised by the BNP’s Bogura district unit at the Altafunnessa Playground. Tarique Rahman, also the BNP Chairman, said these forces have historically attempted to mislead the nation at different critical times, including before and after independence. “These clandestine forces tried to confuse people during the election using similar tactics. They have once again started spreading confusion,” he said.He said despite repeatedly making it clear that the July National Charter – as signed by political parties at the South Plaza of Parliament – would be implemented fully word by word, some political parties have started making various remarks both inside and outside Parliament to mislead people.

Referring to a recent incident of Mymensingh, the Prime Minister said it was a minor personal matter involving a relationship and marriage between a young couple, along with family disputes.

However, he claimed, the same incident was deliberately given a political colour by a certain quarter in an attempt to create unrest in the country.

“You must all remain alert against them. During the Liberation War, we saw how they tried to mislead the people. In the 1986 election, we saw how they attempted to confuse the nation. In 1996, we again saw how they joined hands with autocratic forces to mislead the people. And in 2008 as well, we saw how they aligned with the 1/11 regime to confuse people,” Tarique Rahman said.

He said BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, a son of Bogura, had proclaimed the country’s independence in 1971. “Today, we see those who are trying to mislead the people and create confusion over the July Charter. They did not believe in the independence of this country and they did not believe in its very existence. Can those who do not believe in the existence of this country be trusted? They cannot be trusted,” he said.

Tarique Rahman alleged that those who are trying to mislead people over reforms, the July Charter and the Constitution do not speak about women’s freedom or development.

He said the government is committed to implementing electoral pledges made by the BNP, including the Family Card programme, farmer support initiatives, canal excavation, tree plantation, and creating employment opportunities at home and abroad.

Referring to a pre-election remark by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman opposing the Family Card scheme, the Prime Minister said, “Did you not see what they were saying during the election – ‘keep your family card’? You remember that, don’t you? They ignore the work that serves the people. Instead, they are now spreading confusion to secure power through conspiracy.”