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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited the puja mandap of the historic Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple in Rangpur on Tuesday and exchanged greetings with members of the Hindu community, conveying a message of communal harmony.
This was his first visit to Rangpur since assuming office after the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s victory in the 13th parliamentary election.
The prime minister departed Dhaka’s Tejgaon Airport for Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari aboard an aircraft at around 9:30am. He arrived at the temple in Rangpur at approximately 11am.
He was warmly received by Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple Committee President Babtosh Sarkar Bachchu, General Secretary Khokon Sarkar, Rangpur district unit President of the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council Ram Jiban Kundu, Rangpur city unit General Secretary Prashanta Kumar Roy and Palash Kanti Nag, member secretary of the metropolitan citizens’ committee.
At Saidpur Airport, the prime minister was welcomed by Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu, Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury Don, Rangpur Development Authority Chairman Shamsuzzaman Shamu, Divisional Commissioner Jahangir Alam, Deputy Inspector General Aminul Islam, Deputy Commissioner Ishrat Jahan and Superintendent of Police Mohammad Mozammel Haque, among other senior officials.
After completing the airport formalities, Tarique Rahman travelled towards Rangpur in a motorcade. Thousands of party leaders, activists and local residents lined both sides of the highway to welcome him.
He waved to the crowds from his vehicle, with large gatherings reported at several points along the route, including Taraganj and Paglapir.
At the temple, the prime minister greeted worshippers and devotees and exchanged pleasantries with members of the Hindu community. He also waved and extended his greetings on the occasion of Durga Puja.
After completing his Rangpur programme, Tarique Rahman departed for Saidpur Airport to travel to Rajshahi, where he was scheduled to visit another Dharmasabha temple’s puja mandap.
According to the festival calendar, Durga Puja celebrations began with Mahalaya on October 10, followed by Maha Shashthi on October 16.
The five-day festival is scheduled to conclude on October 21 with Bijoya Dashami and the immersion of idols.