Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said no one would be allowed to toy with the fate of the country’s people. Speaking on Sunday night at a rehabilitation programme for flood-affected people at Hatahazari Government College field, he said it was time to build the country and shape the nation’s future. He called for turning the 40 crore hands of 20 crore people into workers to move the country forward.

The prime minister said some political parties were spreading confusion and trying to obstruct work for public development. He said people who believe in democracy and freedom of expression must decide what to do. He also said Bangladeshis must determine what action to take against those who seek to create disorder, close roads and mislead people.

Rahman urged people to pledge to resist those creating obstacles to national development and to improving citizens’ fortunes. He cited the BNP slogan, “We will work, build the country, Bangladesh first.” He said implementing the party’s 31-point programme was BNP’s sacred duty, describing it as the people’s programme. Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed also spoke at the event.