Dhaka, Feb 14 (UNI) Bangladesh's incoming prime minister, Tarique Rahman, on Saturday said after being sworn into office, he would try and correct his nation's faltering economy, restore public order and try attract new investment, setting out an ambitious agenda in his first public remarks since his party's landslide victory in elections held earlier this week.
Speaking at a news conference here at a hotel, Rahman, the chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, described the challenges ahead as "very serious," pointing to inflation which has been above 8 per cent for several months, weak growth with GDP expected to expand by a lowly 4 per cent, and eroded public trust in state institutions.
"We have very serious challenges to face … tackle the economy of the country, (and) to ensure good governance," he said, adding that his government would seek to encourage business and expand employment opportunities. His party won some 213 seats in an election, to a Parliament with 300 seats, which saw lower than usual voting, after a boycott call by the Awami League which had been banned from fielding candidates for the elections and fears of violence during the polls.
Rahman said his administration would pursue a foreign policy rooted in national interest, particularly in its dealings with China, India and Pakistan. Bangladesh's domestic policies have often been fought over ties with India and Pakistan, while growing indebtedness to China has become a new worry for the country.
Bangladesh's ties with Beijing have deepened in recent years through infrastructure financing under China's Belt and Road Initiative, a program that has stirred debate across South Asia.
"We will try to protect the interests of the people of Bangladesh," he said. "If something is not in Bangladesh's interest, naturally we cannot pursue it. I am certain that mutual interests will be our first priority."
On the Belt and Road Initiative, he added: "If it benefits Bangladesh and supports the economy, we will make a decision."
However, Rahman also called China a "development friend," of Bangladesh and said he hoped the two countries would continue to work together.
The yet-to-be-sworn-in Prime Minister also expressed support for reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, known as SAARC, which was founded at Bangladesh's initiative but has remained largely dormant amid regional tensions.
"You know, SAARC was established through Bangladesh's initiative," he said. "We want it to function. We will discuss with our friendly states and try to revive SAARC."
Asked whether his government would seek the extradition of the former prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, from India, Rahman said that issue would depend on legal procedures.
The interim administration led by microfinance businessman-turned politician Muhammad Yunus, which has overseen the country since Awami League's ouster, congratulated Rahman on Saturday, calling the election results a milestone in Bangladesh's democratic transition.
In his remarks, Rahman cast the election as a turning point after more than a decade and a half of what he described as authoritarian rule. "This victory belongs to Bangladesh. This victory belongs to democracy," he said. "From today, we are all free, with the true essence of freedom and rights restored."
He referred to his party's 31-point reform agenda and said election pledges would be implemented gradually. Striking a conciliatory tone, Rahman urged rival parties to remain united in the national interest.
"Our paths and opinions may differ, but in the interest of the country, we must remain united," he said. "National unity is our collective strength, while division is our weakness."
He also appealed to his supporters to refrain from post-election violence, saying he had instructed party leaders not to hold victory processions despite the scale of the win. "Peace and order must be maintained at any cost," he said. "No wrongdoing or unlawful activity will be tolerated."
Justice and the rule of law, he added, would anchor his administration. "If the rule of law is not established, all our efforts will be in vain," he said, calling on citizens to help combat corruption and uphold accountability. "Our position is clear," Rahman said. "Justice will be our guiding principle." UNI XC JRC