PM Tarique Warns of New Threats to Democracy

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Friday alleged that certain quarters are once again plotting to undermine Bangladesh’s democratic progress, warning of renewed attempts to destabilise the country and damage its image internationally.

Speaking at a May Day rally in the capital’s Naya Paltan area, he said that as Bangladesh began to realign with the will of the people following the February 12 elections, conspiratorial activities had gradually resurfaced.

“As the country returns to the path of democracy, these quarters have started new conspiracies,” he told the gathering.

The prime minister urged workers and people from all walks of life to remain vigilant, safeguard national interests, and resist any effort aimed at destabilising the country.

He further alleged that these actors were attempting to portray Bangladesh as a controversial state in an effort to isolate it globally.

Rahman, however, expressed confidence in the current administration, stating that the international community recognises its legitimacy. He noted that the government, formed through a popular mandate, continues to receive growing engagement from global partners.

According to him, international stakeholders are increasingly interested in investing in Bangladesh, particularly in sectors that could enhance workers’ livelihoods and accelerate economic growth.

Addressing workers directly, Rahman said he wished to be counted among them, expressing his desire to contribute personally to nation-building efforts. He added that he intended to consider members of his cabinet as part of the workforce, emphasising collective responsibility in national development.

The prime minister also revealed that he had instructed authorities a month ago to expedite the reopening of closed factories. He said another meeting would be held within a week to review progress, adding that shuttered factories across the country would be reopened in phases.

He stressed the importance of creating employment opportunities domestically while also expanding job prospects abroad.

The rally, organised by Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal, was chaired by its president Anwar Hossain. Among others, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Nazrul Islam Khan, Abdul Moyeen Khan, and Ruhul Kabir Rizvi addressed the event.

Rahman remarked that since February 12, Bangladesh has resumed what he described as a previously stalled democratic journey. He noted that historically, periods of democratic governance in the country had coincided with industrial growth, economic strengthening, and improvements in the education sector.

Referring to past political developments, he said that under the leadership of former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh had once gained international recognition as an “emerging tiger” during a democratic era.

EN/SA