Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said a state becomes stronger when its people are economically empowered, describing the government’s goal as moving the country toward greater economic and social strength. He made the remarks on Tuesday, August 11, at Bangladesh Secretariat during a contract-signing ceremony to lease three closed state-owned jute mills to two private institutions.

Rahman said political rights must be accompanied by economic capacity for citizens. He argued that no state can become strong by leaving ordinary people in deprivation or silencing them. Pledging support for genuine domestic entrepreneurs, he said the government would provide necessary policy assistance to encourage investment and job creation.

The prime minister stressed the importance of domestic investment alongside foreign investment, saying the government wants foreign investment while also encouraging local investors and entrepreneurs. He thanked the two business groups taking responsibility for the three mills and expressed hope that the new investment would make the institutions successful, create jobs and contribute to the economy. Ministers, officials and business representatives attended the event.