PM Tarique calls for unity of all faiths to build desired Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (20 October) called on people of all faiths to work together to build their desired Bangladesh, saying the country belongs to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians alike.

"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 while addressing a roadside rally at Paglapir point on his way to Rangpur to visit a Durga Puja mandap on Maha Navami.

"From today, let us pledge that this country belongs to all of us — Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We will all work hard together to build the country into the Bangladesh we aspire to see," the Prime Minister said.

Tarique said people had entrusted the BNP with the responsibility of running the country following the 12 February Parliamentary election.

Since taking office, the government has been trying to stand beside people from all walks of life, he said.

As part of those efforts, the government has waived agricultural loans of up to Tk10,000 for farmers, introduced the Family Card and the Farmers' Card programme, he said.

The government has also introduced monthly allowances for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths, Tarique added.

He said the government is trying to support people in all professions and sections of society.

Referring to Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, the Prime Minister said he wanted people of all faiths to join hands in building the country.

Earlier, Tarique left Saidpur Airport for Rangpur by road after arriving from Dhaka by a military aircraft.

Hundreds of BNP leaders, activists and supporters lined both sides of the road, including at Taraganj and Paglapir, to greet him.

He waved back from his motorcade and briefly addressed gatherings at the two points.