Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called upon Bangladeshi expatriates to make united efforts to contribute to the country.
"Let us all think about what we can do for the country so that we can all prosper together. Alongside our own demands and expectations, we should now think about what we can do for the country," he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at a views-exchange meeting with Bangladeshi expatriates at the Shangri-La Hotel in Kuala Lumpur last night.
Referring to the country's condition during a decade-and-a-half of fascist rule, the Prime Minister said individuals and groups had looted public money and property as the country was devastated.
"People shed their blood and freed the nation from authoritarian rule. Now let us all work together to rebuild it," he said.
After completing airport formalities at Kuala Lumpur International Airport tonight, the Prime Minister arrived at the Shangri-La Hotel.
Later, he attended the meeting with expatriates in Malaysia. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him.
The Prime Minister shared his ideas and plans for nation-building with the expatriates.
He discussed the BNP's election commitments, including the Family Card, Farmers Card, canal re-excavation and other development programs.
"I have shared my ideas with you. If you believe that we can move the country forward in this way, then please support these ideas and pray that we can implement them," he said.
The Prime Minister explained his plans in a conversational manner. The expatriates listened attentively and frequently applauded to express support for his vision.
Expressing optimism about Bangladesh's future, he said, "I firmly believe that Bangladesh has a very beautiful and bright future ahead. However, there is a significant 'but.' We will have to work hard for it, endure difficulties, and most importantly, we must be patient."
He added, "On my way here, I noticed how clean the roads of Kuala Lumpur are, and it is our fellow Bangladeshis who help maintain this cleanliness. If our people can do such excellent work here, why can't we do the same in our own country?"
Referring to the events surrounding the 1/11 political period, the Prime Minister said, "After One-Eleven and at various times afterward, many incidents happened with me, my mother, and my brother-things that are hard to imagine. Many of you may have seen them at the time, but perhaps have forgotten now."
He added, "My mother (Begum Khaleda Zia) once became seriously ill. At that time, an ambulance was requested from a hospital, but it was not provided. That happened."
The Prime Minister said, "At this moment, the BNP is in power to run the country. I am the Prime Minister. If I wanted, I could take revenge for many things out of personal resentment. But what benefit would that bring It would help no one. Therefore, we must move away from revenge and hostility".
Tarique Rahman recalled that after becoming Prime Minister, one of the first leaders to congratulate him was Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
He said he would hold a one-on-one meeting with Anwar Ibrahim the following day and would discuss issues affecting expatriates, including the case of 2,000 workers who are unable to return home.
He said, "We will try to explain our concerns to the head of government here. But they will not act outside their own laws. They will operate within their legal framework. Within that framework, we will do everything possible to secure benefits and opportunities for our expatriates."
The statement was met with loud applause from the expatriates present.
Earlier, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury delivered a welcome speech and thanked the Prime Minister.
At the end of the event, Engineer Badlur Rahman, President of the BNP's Malaysia unit, delivered the vote of thanks.
As part of a two-day official visit, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on tomorrow morning. Later, the two leaders will lead a meeting between their respective high-level delegations.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
