Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- In his first televised speech, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has promised every Bangladeshi they will enjoy equal rights under his government, regardless of whether they voted for the BNP, another party, or did not vote at all.

Upon completing his first day in office on Wednesday, Tarique outlined government priorities and issued clear, specific messages in the evening.

"The BNP government believes that the state belongs to all, regardless of political affiliation, faith, or philosophy. Every Bangladeshi citizen, whether yours, mine, or ours, will have equal rights in this country," he said.

On peace and law enforcement, he said: "Our primary focus is to restore peace and security in the minds of the people by improvi...