In an oblique reference to his party's poor electoral performance in the region, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (20 October) said his government wants to serve all citizens, regardless of whether they voted for the BNP, and ensure balanced development across all areas.
"The people of this country elected the current government. Our candidates may have been elected in some areas but not in others. But, the current government wants to be a government for everyone. We want to be the government of those who voted for us, as well as those who did not," he said.
Tarique said while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at the historic Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple in Rangpur on Maha Navami, the ninth day of the Sharadiya festival.
He said the government wants to ensure equitable development across the country, taking into account the country's economic condition and distributing resources fairly among different regions.
"We want to work for all areas and all people," Tarique said adding that, Tk1,800 crore was allocated for the development of Rangpur city at an ECNEC meeting about two weeks ago.
He said the government would also gradually develop necessary infrastructure, including bridges, culverts, schools and colleges, in different upazilas, unions and villages of Rangpur district through local government institutions and the district council.
"But to carry out this work, we must all work together. We must put aside our differences and move forward hand in hand," the prime minister said.
The prime minister, however, regretted that certain quarters have been trying to spread confusion in recent days, even as his government sought to build unity and move forward with everyone.
"Today, I want to make one thing clear to everyone, especially those who have tried to spread confusion. In the past, we saw attempts by an individual or a political party to discredit the great Liberation War of Bangladesh. But the outcome was not favourable. The people of Bangladesh did not accept such attempts or their objectives positively," he said.
Tarique said people of all faiths had fought together for Bangladesh's independence in 1971, regardless of religion, political views or social backgrounds.
He said people from different religions and professions had also united in later movements to restore democracy and establish their political rights.
Referring to the 2024 Mass Uprising, Tarique said students and people from all walks of life joined the movement to remove the authoritarian government and establish their rights.
He urged people not to discredit the uprising, saying those with differing views should raise their concerns in parliament, where elected representatives could debate issues and make decisions in the interests of people and the state.
The prime minister said Bangladesh has a long history of people of different faiths living together peacefully.
He expressed hope that they would continue to do so for another thousand years. "We want people of all religions to continue living together peacefully in this country for the next thousand years, just as we have lived together in peace for the past thousand years."
The prime minister called on people to overcome divisions and work together to build their desired Bangladesh, ensuring education, healthcare and employment for future generations while maintaining peace and order.
"We must not create situations like those we have seen in the past that disrupt people's daily lives, their children's education, healthcare, businesses, trade and employment. People now want stability in the country. They want to live in peace and feel safe, and that is what the current government is working to ensure," Tarique said.
The prime minister said, "This country belongs to all of us. To build it, everyone must come forward. We must move beyond confusion and division.
"Most importantly, we want to change the political culture we have seen in the past. The government is trying to bring about that change, but the greatest force behind it is people. We want people to stand beside the current government, as they have in the past," he said.
He extended his greetings to the Hindu community on Durga Puja and called for collective efforts to build a peaceful and secure Bangladesh.
Earlier, he arrived at the temple at 12:05pm from Saidpur Airport and was welcomed through religious rituals. Children also greeted him with dance performances.
The prime minister exchanged greetings with priests and members of the temple committee.
Temple President Bhabatosh Sarkar and General Secretary Khokon Sarkar presented him with a crest, while the prime minister handed them a cheque for Tk 10 lakh as a grant for the temple.
He also asked the state minister concerned to provide necessary support for constructing a hostel at the temple for underprivileged members of the Hindu community who face difficulties finding accommodation in the city when they come from rural areas.
The prime minister directed that the work be completed within the next two years.
State Minister for Local Government Mir Shahe Alam, BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and other political leaders and lawmakers also spoke.
Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain, Disaster Management Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, State Minister Farzana Sharmin and the Prime Minister's Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, among others, were present.
This was Tarique's first visit to Rangpur since taking office as prime minister following the 13th parliamentary election.
On his way from Saidpur to Rangpur, the prime minister also addressed roadside gatherings at Taraganj and Paglapir, where he said the government has taken steps to support working people, including waiving agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000, introducing Family Cards and Farmers' Cards, and providing monthly allowances for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths.
Tarique called upon people of all faiths to work together to build their desired Bangladesh, saying the country belongs to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians alike.