Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said at a workers’ rally organized in the capital’s Nayapaltan to mark the Great May Day, that the people of the country have started a new chapter by defeating tyranny; now is the time to build the country with the collective efforts of people of all classes and professions, including workers.
He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the BNP workers’ rally on Friday (May 1) afternoon.
The Prime Minister said that initiatives have already been taken to reopen the closed factories. A meeting with the concerned has been held and instructions have been given to quickly activate these industrial establishments so that unemployed workers can return to work. She said that another meeting is scheduled to be held this week on the matter.
He further said that merely reopening closed factories will not completely solve the employment problem. There are a large number of unemployed youth in the country. In addition to domestic investment, the government is also working towards creating employment opportunities abroad for them. Discussions are ongoing with domestic and foreign investors to this end.
Highlighting the importance of workers and farmers, the Prime Minister said, “The country will move forward if the workers and farmers are well. Improving the living standards of the working people is the government’s priority.”
Regarding the eviction of hawkers in the capital, he said, “Although steps have been taken to ease traffic congestion in the city, initiatives have been taken to rehabilitate hawkers by keeping in mind their livelihood. The concerned authorities have been instructed to provide them with opportunities to do business in specific places and the process has already begun.”
He assured that the hawkers will be rehabilitated in a dignified manner in phases, so that they can earn a living without any hindrance.
A large number of BNP leaders and activists, including top leaders, were present at the rally.