Political Adviser to the Prime Minister and BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is placing the highest priority on alleviating the suffering of the people and is working relentlessly to fulfill his electoral commitments. Speaking as the chief guest at a prayer and discussion program held at the Dhakeshwari National Temple on Friday, Rizvi said the Prime Minister has been closely monitoring the implementation of the government's promises, particularly in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, and public welfare.
"The Prime Minister is making tireless efforts to implement his election pledges. Public interest has been given the highest priority in the national budget. There has been no shortfall in fulfilling the commitments made to the people, and he is personally monitoring the progress on a regular basis," Rizvi said.
The event was organized by representatives of the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Indigenous communities to commemorate the 45th martyrdom anniversary of former President Ziaur Rahman.
Highlighting several budgetary measures, Rizvi noted that individuals with an annual income of up to Tk 400,000 will remain exempt from income tax. He also said the government's proposal to impose taxes on small and medium-sized retail shops had been withdrawn following public consideration. In addition, the price of a 12-kilogram LPG cylinder has been reduced by Tk 357, he added.
Referring to the July mass movement led by students and the public, Rizvi said the country has entered a freer political environment where people can express their opinions without fear.
"Through the student-public movement, we have achieved an environment where freedom of expression has been ensured. More importantly, the people's voting rights have been restored, and a government accountable to the people has been established through a free and fair election," he said.
Addressing members of all religious communities, Rizvi emphasized that Bangladesh's strength lies in its unity.
"We belong to the same land and the same nation. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Chakmas, Tripuras, and people of all communities fought together for the country's independence and economic development. Attempts have repeatedly been made to create divisions between 'us' and 'them,' but such efforts can never succeed on the soil of Bangladesh. This nation has never bowed to any national, international, or foreign conspiracy," he said.
Rizvi also criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, alleging that religion was never the determining factor in her politics.
"For Sheikh Hasina, religion was not the issue; her priority was her family and her party. Even members of the Hindu community who were not aligned with her party faced persecution," he claimed.
Recalling the July 2024 movement, Rizvi said people from all religious backgrounds stood together during the protests.
"Hindus, Christians, Muslims—everyone was injured and sacrificed together during the movement. I believe no one will be able to destroy the sense of brotherhood among us. We will continue to protect our independent identity by working, rebuilding, and, if necessary, resisting together," he added.
Among those present at the event were Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, BNP Joint Organizing Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu, Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal Vice-President Dr. Zahidul Kabir, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal Vice-President Dr. Touhidur Rahman Auwal, along with leaders of the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Indigenous communities.