Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on people of all faiths to work together to build their desired Bangladesh, emphasizing that the nation belongs equally to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians. Speaking while addressing a roadside rally at the Paglapir point on his way to Rangpur to visit a Durga Puja mandap on Maha Navami, he drew a parallel to the unity of 1971.
“Just as people of all religions united to free the country in 1971, we want to build Bangladesh together, with people of all faiths,” he said. He urged citizens to pledge that the country belongs to everyone and that all communities will work hard together to achieve their shared aspirations.
Tarique noted that the public had entrusted the BNP with governing responsibility following the February 12 parliamentary election. Since taking office, he stated, the administration has focused on standing beside people from all walks of life through targeted assistance programs.
Highlighting recent government initiatives, the prime minister mentioned the waiver of agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 for farmers, along with the rollout of the Family Card and Farmers’ Card programs. He also pointed to the introduction of monthly allowances for imams, muezzins, and religious leaders of other faiths as part of broader support efforts.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister departed from Dhaka via a military aircraft, arriving at Saidpur Airport before traveling by road toward Rangpur. Crowds of BNP leaders, activists, and supporters gathered along the route in areas such as Taraganj and Paglapir to greet him as his motorcade passed.
Why it matters
The prime minister's appeal for religious harmony and outline of welfare programs signal administration priorities following the February parliamentary election.