Md. Mafiz Uddin Sarker, Rangpur

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stated that autocracy has been ousted from the country through a mass uprising of students and citizens. "Let us—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and people of all faiths—work together to advance the nation," he urged.

 He made these remarks on Tuesday afternoon in Rangpur, while interacting with members of the Hindu community during the 'Maha Navami' celebrations of the Sharadiya Durga Puja at the Radha Govinda Temple.

The Prime Minister noted that the students and the general public, through a mass uprising, have driven out the fascist autocracy that had long weighed heavily upon the people of this nation. During the uprising, he observed, people of all faiths came together on the streets—transcending political affiliations, ideologies, and social backgrounds—to claim their rights. For thousands of years, people of all religions have lived together in peace in Bangladesh. It was through the collective effort of people from all faiths that Bangladesh achieved its independence and established its political rights. Now, it is through this same collective effort that we must build the Bangladesh we envision.

The Prime Minister emphasized that since taking office, the current government has been working toward balanced development across the entire country—serving all citizens and regardless of whether or not they voted for this administration. He mentioned that 1,800 crore BDT has already been allocated for the development of Rangpur city. Furthermore, through the Zila Parishad (District Council), the government will systematically develop essential infrastructure—such as bridges, culverts, schools, and colleges—across various upazilas, unions, and rural areas, ensuring that every citizen has access to necessary facilities. "We must undertake this work together, setting aside our differences. By joining hands, we will move forward," he said.

Expressing concern, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman pointed out that while the current government seeks to move forward by including everyone, certain elements are attempting to sow confusion. "I wish to state clearly to those who spread such confusion: in the past, there was an attempt by someone to cast doubt upon our glorious Liberation War—and that did not end well," he remarked.

 The people of the country did not respond favorably to that outcome or objective. Similarly, some quarters have attempted to cast doubt on the mass uprising of '24. Together with all those who aspire to democracy, I urge you: please do not stir up controversy regarding the mass uprising of students and the public in '24. 

He  stated that the government is working to keep the country stable, peaceful, and secure. We seek to move away from the style of politics we have witnessed in the past. The people are the primary driving force behind this change, and we need their support. 

Accompanying the Prime Minister at the Radha Govinda Temple were several notable figures, including BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi; Minister of Social Welfare Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain, MP; Minister of Disaster Management and Relief Asadul Habib Dulu, MP; Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, MP; State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, MP; State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, MP; and State Minister for Religious Affairs Shamim Kaiser Lincoln, MP. Other speakers included Mahbubur Rahman Belal—MP for the Rangpur-3 (Sadar) constituency and a member of the Central Working Council of Jamaat-e-Islami—as well as Member of Parliament Nipun Roy, Chairman of the Rangpur Development Authority Samsuzzaman Samu, Administrator of the Rangpur City Corporation Adv Mahfuz-Un-Nabi Chowdhury Don and Zila Parishad  Chairman Saiful Islam. Along the route, thousands of people—including party activists and individuals from various walks of life—waved at the Prime Minister, holding national flags, banners, and festoons. The Prime Minister acknowledged their greetings. Subsequently, the Prime Minister participated in roadside rallies at Taraganj and Paglapir in Rangpur. The arrival of the Prime Minister created a festive atmosphere throughout Rangpur city.

Earlier, at a roadside rally in Paglapir, Rangpur Sadar Upazila, the Prime Minister expressed a firm commitment to building a prosperous and envisioned Bangladesh, inclusive of people of all faiths. 

The Prime Minister stated that following the election on February 12, the people of Bangladesh entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of governing the country. Since assuming this responsibility, the government has consistently sought to support the hardworking people of the nation. Various initiatives are being implemented to assist every segment of society, taking their specific needs into account.

 Agricultural loans of up to 10,000 Taka have been waived for farmers. Furthermore, 'Family Cards' and 'Farmer Cards' have been introduced. Additionally, allowances have been established for religious figures, including Imams and Muezzins. The government remains committed to standing by the hardworking people across all strata of society.