Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said his government is working to support people from all walks of life, particularly working-class and low-income communities, through welfare initiatives and measures aimed at improving ordinary citizens’ lives.

Since the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was entrusted with governing the country, the government has been trying to prioritise public welfare, he said. Initiatives introduced so far include waiving agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers, launching agricultural and family cards, and introducing allowances for religious leaders serving mosques, temples and other religious institutions.

The prime minister made the remarks during a brief roadside gathering in Paglapir, on his way to Rangpur, at around 11:30 am on Tuesday.

Addressing the gathering, Tarique Rahman said Bangladesh was celebrating Sharadiya Durga Puja, the principal religious festival of the Hindu community.

He recalled that people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds had fought together in Bangladesh’s Liberation War, stressing that the country should also be built through the collective efforts of people from every religious community.

“We are Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. Whoever we are, Bangladesh belongs to all of us. Together, through hard work, we will build the Bangladesh we aspire to see. Let this be our expectation today,” he said.

PM Visits Rangpur for Durga Puja Celebrations

Tarique Rahman travelled to Rangpur as part of a programme to visit Durga Puja mandaps across three divisions outside Dhaka in observance of the Hindu festival.

After completing formalities at Saidpur Airport, he headed towards Rangpur by road. Along the highway, he waved to party leaders, activists and members of the public who had gathered on both sides to greet him.

During the journey, he addressed brief roadside gatherings in Taraganj and Paglapir and exchanged greetings with local residents.

According to his itinerary, the prime minister is scheduled to visit the Durga Puja mandap at the historic Dharmasabha (Radha Gobinda) Temple in Rangpur city. He is also expected to exchange festive greetings and hold discussions with members of the Hindu community.

The visit comes as the government highlights social welfare and religious harmony during the country’s Durga Puja celebrations.