, March 16 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday pledged to transform Bangladesh into a beautiful, prosperous, economically and politically strong country with the support of its people, saying his government has begun nation-building work through a nationwide canal restoration programme.

Addressing a public rally near Sahapara canal in Kaharol upazila of Dinajpur during the inauguration of the canal excavation and re-excavation programme, he also urged the people to remain alert against those who try to create chaos and mislead them with sweet words.

"We have started the work to build the nation through the canal excavation programme. We want to create a Bangladesh where people can assert their own rights and where the country wil...