Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today outlined the government’s forward-looking roadmap focusing on the protection of human rights, democratic values, and freedom of expression, alongside national development, resolution of the Rohingya crisis, agriculture, water security, and environmental conservation.
Speaking at the inauguration of the three-day international conference ‘Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) 2026’ on Saturday morning at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital, the Prime Minister emphasized transparency, accountability, human rights, democratic principles, and the preservation of freedom of speech.
Organized by the Center for Governance Studies (CGS) under the theme “Navigating Power, Technology, and Trust in a Reshaped World,” the opening session was also addressed by CGS President Zillur Rahman and Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi. The three-day international summit brings together nearly 200 speakers, 300 delegates, and over 1,000 participants from more than 100 countries, including former heads of state and government, ministers, diplomats, researchers, journalists, business leaders, security experts, civil society representatives, innovators, and youth leaders. The conference will conclude on October 5.
In his address, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the rule of law must apply equally to every citizen and pledged that the government would foster a culture where public institutions genuinely serve the people. Addressing the issue of nearly 1.3 million Rohingya refugees hosted in Bangladesh, he highlighted that the nation is shouldering a major global responsibility. He reiterated that the government’s primary goal is the swift, voluntary, safe, dignified, and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingya to Myanmar. Calling for sustained political support and global funding, he reminded the international community that the crisis originated in Myanmar and its solution lies in Myanmar.
Highlighting agriculture as the backbone of the national economy, the Prime Minister noted ongoing efforts to improve agricultural technology, irrigation, financing, and market access for farmers, alongside continued support for fisheries, livestock, and rural enterprises—emphasizing that a robust rural economy underpins a strong Bangladesh.
To ensure water security, the Prime Minister announced plans to excavate 20,000 kilometers of canals and waterways over the next five years, advance the Padma Barrage Project, and formulate the Teesta Master Plan, which will bolster agricultural productivity and climate resilience. Setting specific environmental targets, he reaffirmed plans to plant 250 million trees over the next five years, expand solar energy, promote waste recycling, and encourage eco-friendly manufacturing. He noted that 53 of the world’s top 100 LEED-certified green factories are located in Bangladesh, expressing confidence that cleaner, greener cities will reduce waste, enhance climate resilience, and drive economic growth.
