Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for ensuring lasting peace and harmony among people of all faiths, saying his government wants to build a peaceful, democratic and prosperous Bangladesh with citizens from all walks of life.
“People of different faiths have been living together peacefully in this country for thousands of years. We must ensure an environment where they can continue to live in the same way, in harmony and peace, for another thousand years,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at a greetings programme marking Durga Puja at the historic Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple in Rangpur on Maha Navami.
Tarique Rahman said people of all faiths had stood together during the Liberation War, movements for democratic rights and the 2024 mass uprising led by students and the public.
“Just as people of all faiths together liberated the country, we have also established the people’s political rights with people of all faiths standing together. Everyone must work together to build the Bangladesh we aspire to,” he said.
Stressing his government’s commitment to serving all citizens, the Prime Minister said the BNP wanted to represent both those who voted for the party and those who did not.
“We want to be the government of those who voted for us, as well as those who did not,” he said.
He said the government was working to ensure balanced development across the country and fair distribution of public services and facilities, taking Bangladesh’s financial capacity into account.
Tarique Rahman said Tk 1,810 crore had been allocated at an Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) meeting for Rangpur city’s development. Initiatives had also been taken to develop roads, bridges, culverts, educational institutions and other essential infrastructure in upazilas, unions and villages through local government institutions.
He urged people to set aside their differences and work together to achieve development goals.
The Prime Minister also called on people not to create controversy over the 2024 mass uprising, saying his government was seeking to build national unity while some quarters were spreading confusion.
“On behalf of the pro-democracy people, I would like to say: please do not make the 2024 mass uprising of students and the people controversial,” he said.
He said differences of opinion could be raised in parliament, where elected representatives should discuss issues and make decisions in the interests of the state and its people.
Tarique Rahman urged political leaders and other stakeholders to act responsibly so that political differences did not disrupt people’s daily lives, children’s education, healthcare, business or employment.
He said the government was working to change past political practices but needed public support to implement those changes.
Greeting members of the Hindu community on Maha Navami, the Prime Minister reiterated his call for people of all faiths to work together to build a Bangladesh that reflects the aspirations of its citizens. He also said he would ask the concerned state minister to consider financial assistance for constructing accommodation facilities behind the temple.
During the visit, temple authorities welcomed the Prime Minister with religious rituals, while children greeted him with a dance performance. He exchanged greetings with priests and others concerned before receiving a crest from temple management committee President Bhavatosh Sarkar and General Secretary Khokon Sarkar.
The Prime Minister also handed over a cheque for Tk 10 lakh to the temple authorities.
The programme was moderated by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam. Speakers included BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarker, BNP Joint Organising Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu and lawmakers Mahbubur Rahman Belal and Nipun Roy Chowdhury.
Several ministers, state ministers, advisers, lawmakers and local leaders were also present.
The visit marked Tarique Rahman’s first trip to Rangpur since assuming office following the 13th parliamentary election. He was scheduled to visit Durga Puja mandaps in Rajshahi and Chattogram before returning to Dhaka.
The five-day Durga Puja celebrations will conclude on October 21 with the immersion of idols on Bijoya Dashami.
