Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the aspirations of the July uprising, the Liberation War, and the anti-autocracy movement would be fulfilled if the government fully implements the 31-point programme announced by the BNP. Speaking at a discussion organised at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), he highlighted the importance of the manifesto and the need for its complete implementation. 'If we can implement it completely, the July uprising, the Liberation War and the anti-autocracy movement will attain their true fulfillment,' he said.
The finance minister recalled his experience during the July uprising, noting that thousands of leaders and activists had spent difficult days in prison. He emphasized that people’s expectations are now much higher after years of movements, struggles, and sacrifices. 'People have long experienced a lack of voting rights, human rights, rule of law and economic equality,' he said, adding that business and commerce had been concentrated under the patronage of a particular group, depriving ordinary people of adequate opportunities to participate in economic activities.
Amir Khosru said BNP had formulated its manifesto taking into account these expectations of the people and outlined plans to establish citizens’ rights and build a 'new Bangladesh'. He stressed two key issues in the BNP’s declared programme: 'Bangladesh First' and 'democratisation of the economy'. 'If the 31-point programme is implemented, the sacrifices of July, the spirit of the Liberation War and the objectives of the movement for restoration of democracy will be fulfilled,' he asserted.
FAQs
Question: What is the 31-point programme?
Answer: The 31-point programme is a manifesto announced by the BNP aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of various historical movements in Bangladesh, including the July uprising, the Liberation War, and the anti-autocracy movement. It outlines plans to establish citizens’ rights and build a 'new Bangladesh'.
Question: What are the two key issues highlighted by the finance minister in the BNP’s programme?
Answer: The two key issues highlighted by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury are 'Bangladesh First' and 'democratisation of the economy'. 'Bangladesh First' prioritizes the country’s independence, sovereignty, and the interests of its people, while 'democratisation of the economy' aims to ensure every citizen has the opportunity to participate in economic activities and enjoy the benefits of development.
Question: How does the finance minister plan to improve the living standards of citizens?
Answer: The finance minister plans to improve living standards by creating opportunities for skills development, access to loans, design support, and market expansion for people engaged in various sectors, including rural artists, artisans, sportspersons, and cultural workers. He also emphasizes connecting traditional rural products with modern markets and ensuring a comprehensive support system from birth to death.
Question: What initiatives has the government undertaken despite financial constraints?
Answer: Despite financial constraints, the government has undertaken initiatives such as the Family Card, Farmer Card, and primary healthcare programmes. The Family Card aims to deliver assistance to low-income families and contribute to improvements in their health, education, and nutrition.
