Published: 12:55 AM, 14 July 2026
PM calls for united efforts to build nation after ousting autocracy
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman speaks at a function after inaugurating a tree plantation program on the bank of the Sagardi Canal in Barishal on Monday. -Agency
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday called upon the countrymen to work together for national development, saying the unity that ousted autocracy during the 2024 July Uprising should now be translated into collective efforts to build the nation.
"A few days ago, regardless of religion or ethnicity, we all removed autocracy together from this country. Now let us all work together for the country," he said.
The prime minister was addressing a function after inaugurating a tree plantation programme on the bank of the Sagardi Canal at the Trish Godown Mass Killing Ground area.
Recalling the Liberation War, Tarique Rahman said people from all walks of life, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, caste and creed, had fought together to achieve the country's independence. The same spirit of unity, he said, was demonstrated during the movement that toppled the autocratic regime.
"Only a few days ago, we drove autocracy out of this country. People from all walks of life, regardless of religion or opinion, came out on the streets together to remove it. This means that if we all stand shoulder to shoulder and work for the country and
its people, everyone will benefit," he said.
Later, the prime minister inaugurated the tree plantation drive by planting a coconut sapling.
A prayer and munajat were offered after the plantation.
Calling upon everyone to come forward to protect the environment, the Prime Minister said, "Protecting the environment is not the responsibility of the government alone, nor is it the sole responsibility of the city corporation. We all have to come forward. On this tree plantation day, let's all pledge together to keep the country's environment clean and protected. Let that be our commitment."
He said, "Each of us will try to ensure that the areas around our homes, offices, schools, colleges and hospitals are not polluted and that the environment remains clean and beautiful."
Referring to the Sagardi Canal at Trish Godown, Tarique Rahman said this canal is certainly very important for this area. Taking care of it is not the responsibility of the city corporation alone, he said, adding, everyone living on both sides of the canal should take care of it.
"Very often plastic bottles, polythene bags, tissue paper and many other items are seen floating in this canal. We, who come to this park, drink water and then throw the bottle into the canal. My humble request to all of you present here is that whenever you meet anyone, please tell them not to throw such things into the canal," the premier said.
Drawing the attention of the city corporation, the Prime Minister said, "There is a waste bin installed here. Please make announcements through loudspeakers requesting everyone who comes to sit beside the canal, especially in the afternoon, to dispose of their waste in the bin. The canal must be kept clean."
He said, "Look, there is a pipe connected to the canal on the opposite bank. What is this pipe for? Is it carrying wastewater from houses? I would request the city corporation to develop a drainage system for household wastewater, but it is better not to connect water or sewerage lines directly to the canal. Such connections damage the environment and pollute the water. Therefore, we ourselves must protect our own environment."
Tarique Rahman said, "If we do not keep our own homes tidy, they become dirty. Likewise, if we do not keep our neighbourhoods, our localities and our country clean, and if we do not care for the environment, we ourselves will suffer. We will admire the beautiful places of other countries while ruining our own."
State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shaikh Faridul Islam, State Minister for Shipping Md Razib Ahsan, BNP Chairperson's Advisory Council members Mojibur Rahman Sorowar, Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal and Masud Ahmed Talukder, Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Jahan Shirin and other leaders were present on the occasion and also planted trees on both sides of the canal.
After concluding the tree plantation programme, the Prime Minister went to the Circuit House for lunch and Zuhr prayers. The final programme of the Prime Minister's Barishal tour is an exchange of views with party leaders at the Shilpakala Academy in the afternoon.
