Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the BNP government wants to turn Dhaka and the entire country into a clean and healthy city like Tokyo in Japan. To this end, the government is working to create a livable environment for people by preventing environmental pollution, removing garbage, improving air quality, and planting trees in different places.
The Prime Minister made these remarks at a view-sharing program with expatriate Bangladeshis organized by the Bangladesh community at Hotel New Otani in Tokyo, Japan, on Wednesday evening. Her spouse, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, was present at the event.
The Prime Minister said that improving the quality of life of the marginalized and working people is the real reform. Which vote came first, which vote came later, or whose power increased or decreased – more important to the common people is the assurance of food, education, and medical care. The government’s priority is to fulfill people’s basic needs, make healthcare accessible, create employment, and improve the lives of people by improving the environment.
Comparing the cleanliness between Dhaka and Tokyo, he said, “We are trying to clean the entire country, including Dhaka. There is a lot of garbage piled up all around. We often see in the news that the air in Dhaka city is very polluted. We are working on improving it, filtering it, and planting trees in different places. To keep people healthy, the environment has to be cleaned, and garbage has to be removed properly.”
Citing the creation of a clean city for the common people as one of the government’s most important reforms, Tarique Rahman said, “People are unable to walk because of garbage; they are getting sick because of garbage; the country’s air is getting polluted—what better reform could there be? If we take any step, the children of the country, the people of the country, mothers and sisters, and women will be healthy—this seems to me to be a big reform.”
Government seeks reforms to benefit marginalized people
The Prime Minister has commented that there are attempts to obstruct the government’s reform activities in the country. She said that attempts are being made to create a situation in which the BNP government cannot implement reforms that would benefit the most marginalized people if implemented.
Addressing the Bangladeshis living abroad, he said, “If I can carry out the reforms, then you or your children will be well and will benefit.”
Education, health and environment are the major reforms
Explaining the priority of reforms, Tarique Rahman said, “I am not saying that the reforms mentioned in the speeches of those who make the newspapers talk about reforms will not benefit anyone or the country if they are implemented. But how many people will benefit if they are changed? A handful of people will benefit.”
He said, “As a politician, I understand reforms as reforms that benefit the marginalized people. There are many types of reforms. There are reforms for air-conditioned rooms, and there are reforms to make the lives of the working people a little better. Since we go to the people for votes, my priority is to do such work for the working people so that their lives become a little better.”
Third language in primary education from next year
At the event, Tasmin Jahan Meherul, a student studying at a school in Japan, asked about the interest of young people in Bangladesh in learning Japanese and the government’s plans in this regard, on behalf of the expatriates.
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In response, the Prime Minister said that in the manifesto announced by BNP before the elections, along with the 31-point state reform, importance has also been given to education. Arrangements are being made to teach a third language along with primary education. A third language will be added to primary education from next year.
Plans to build 150-bed Upazila Hospital
Dr. Fatematuz Johara asked the Prime Minister about the development of the health sector and discussions on investment in this sector in Bangladesh. In response, she said that there is a plan to upgrade the upazila hospitals to 150-bed hospitals in the next five years. Dialysis facilities and improved systems for treating children will be developed in these hospitals.
Child development, business and employment
Responding to various questions from the expatriates at the event, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s plans for child development, sports opportunities, ease of trade and commerce, reopening closed industries, increasing investment, and creating employment. She emphasized the goal of these initiatives to improve the standard of living of the common people and create a better environment for future generations.
Statement on criticism on social media
The Prime Minister criticized the sarcasm and mockery on social media about Tarique Rahman, the member secretary of the Aam Janata Party, who is visiting Japan as part of the Prime Minister’s entourage. She said, “The fact that Tarique is here is being criticized on social media. Yet, no one is talking about the various problems of the country.”
The Prime Minister said everyone must work together to meet the people’s basic needs, improve the environment, expand access to education and healthcare, and improve the lives of marginalized people.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Finance and Planning Advisor Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashiduzzaman Millat, State Minister for Energy Anindya Islam Amit and Invest Bangladesh Authority Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury were also present at the event. BNP Executive Committee member Abdus Sattar Patwari moderated the event.
At the event, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, were presented with photographs on behalf of Japan BNP.
