Kader Gani Chowdhury says Tarique Rahman has restored public trust in government

BFUJ Secretary General and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director Kader Gani Chowdhury has said BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has succeeded in restoring public trust, confidence and support in the government.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with expatriate Bangladeshis in the United States at 7am Bangladesh time on Tuesday (September 29). The meeting was chaired by Nasim Ahmed, president of the US Nationalist Front.

Referring to a public opinion survey by DeltaGram, Kader Gani said the reported 75.3 percent support and satisfaction with the government demonstrated the restoration of public confidence.

“Under Tarique Rahman's leadership, power has shifted from an individual-centric approach to the people,” he said.

Kader Gani claimed that 70 to 75 percent of Bangladesh's development had been contributed by the BNP, attributing the progress to the leadership of Ziaur Rahman and Khaleda Zia.

He expressed hope that Bangladesh would become a developed and prosperous country under Tarique Rahman's leadership and said the people would reflect that aspiration in the future.

He also highlighted several government initiatives, saying the Bangladeshi taka had reached its strongest position against the US dollar and Indian rupee in five and a half years. He said greater exchange-rate stability could increase confidence among foreign investors and businesses engaged in international trade.

Kader Gani also pointed to changes in the government's approach to exercising power, citing the prime minister's limited motorcade and decisions to avoid keeping roads closed for extended periods during official movements.

He said such measures might not directly increase GDP or reduce inflation but could have significance for relations between the state and its citizens.

On agriculture, he highlighted the introduction of farmer cards aimed at making agricultural inputs, loans and government services more accessible to farmers. He also said initiatives had been taken to waive agricultural loans and related interest for small and marginal farmers.

According to Kader Gani, the government has also introduced initiatives including family cards for women and expatriate cards for overseas Bangladeshis. He mentioned honorariums for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders, along with renewed canal excavation and tree-planting programmes.

He further claimed that measures had been taken to control artificial syndicates and keep commodity prices stable during Ramadan and Eid, while ensuring workers' salaries and bonuses. He also said Tk 2,000 crore had recently been released to clear outstanding dues owed to retired MPO-listed teachers.

Kader Gani said the government had converted a record number of ordinances into laws in parliament. He also referred to a revised anti-terrorism ordinance under which a political organisation had been banned.

He highlighted several education initiatives, including the introduction of new subjects in the curriculum, free education for girls up to the undergraduate level, midday meals in primary schools, free Wi-Fi and opportunities for students to attend parliamentary proceedings. He also mentioned sports and innovation competitions.

In the health sector, he said the government's approach included health cards, expansion of primary healthcare and efforts to make essential medicines more accessible.

Kader Gani also said environmental and climate issues were receiving greater attention, citing climate budgeting, expansion of renewable energy, re-excavation of rivers and canals, and tree-planting programmes as examples of the government's development priorities.

The meeting was also addressed by America-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce President Zakir H Chowdhury, Weekly Bangladesh editor Dr Wazed Ali Khan, senior journalist Anwar Hossain Manju and several other journalists and community representatives.