No Room for Extremism; $1 Trillion Economy Goal by 2034: PM Tarique Rahman

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday declared that there will be no place for any form of extremism or radicalism in Bangladesh.

He stated that the country’s martyrs and freedom fighters envisioned a nation where extremism has no room and justice remains supreme, adding that no one will be allowed to usurp the democratic rights of the people under the guise of the spirit of the Liberation War. The Prime Minister made these remarks during his valedictory speech at the conclusion of the second session of the 13th Parliament.

In his comprehensive address, the Prime Minister outlined his government's extensive plans for education, healthcare, employment, and economic restructuring. Criticizing the previous regime’s quick rental and energy sector policies, he accused the past fascist government of turning the power sector into a hub of corruption for personal gain. Highlighting the democratic vibrance of the current parliament, he noted that despite differences over bills, both the treasury and opposition benches actively participated in debates, making it a true "people's parliament." He also announced a bipartisan decision to extend full financial support to those affected during the past 17 years and the July Revolution.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to implementing the "July Charter" signed in parliament, the Prime Minister stated that the 31-point reform agenda is no longer exclusive to the BNP but has become the charter of the entire nation. He announced a shift from a debt-reliant to an investment-driven economy, targeting a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034. He pledged to create 100 million jobs by promoting eco-tourism, IT, and the blue economy, alongside traditional manpower export. Furthermore, to combat climate change, the government plans to plant 250 million trees over five years, establishing 10,000 new nurseries that will generate 250,000 jobs.

Critiquing the educational degradation caused by "auto-promotions" under the previous regime, the Prime Minister assured that controversial elements are being removed from the curriculum, with a renewed focus on teacher training and quality education. He announced plans to allocate 5% of GDP to the education sector in the upcoming budget. Describing the healthcare system inherited by his government as "101 percent sick," he committed to raising the health budget to 5% of GDP, recruiting 100,000 healthcare workers to focus on preventive medicine, and establishing five 200-bed pediatric hospitals in five divisions by September.

Addressing financial crimes, the Prime Minister estimated that USD 16 billion had been siphoned out of the country under the previous administration and asserted his government's zero-tolerance stance against corruption. He announced plans to recruit 10,000 police constables as part of efforts to reform law enforcement into a highly professional force. Additionally, he urged all 300 MPs and reserved seat members to spearhead cleanliness campaigns in their respective constituencies. Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister called for national unity among political parties, stating, "We may have differences of opinion, but not enmity. We stand united to ensure that fascism never rises again and Bangladesh never becomes a vassal state."