Dhaka, Feb. 18 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Wednesday that the newly elected government's top priority is restoring peace and security through stronger law enforcement and anti-corruption measures, pledging that all citizens, regardless of their vote, will enjoy equal rights.

"As the head of government, I would like to draw the attention of the people of the country to one important matter-whether you voted for the BNP, did not vote for it to allow forming the new government, or did not vote at all, you all have equal rights to this government," he said in a televised address to the nation.

Tarique said the BNP government believes that political views, religious beliefs and ideologies may differ, but the state belongs to all...