Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has sought cooperation from all sections of society in building a safe and prosperous Bangladesh as desired by the people. “The government is making its strides gradually to build the country in the way that soldiers and ordinary citizens envision it… We want to take the country to a better place,” he said while joining a grand feast at the Dhaka Cantonment this afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Army’s 25th East Bengal Regiment, also known as “Mrityunjoyi,” hosted the feast at Zia Colony in Dhaka Cantonment on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Officers and soldiers participated in the event. Earlier, the prime minister arrived at the venue accompanied by his Defence Adviser Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. AKM Shamsul Islam.
He exchanged Eid greetings with officers, soldiers, and their children. He also planted a sapling in front of the ‘Ponchish Mrityunjoyi’ building and signed the visitors’ book. At the beginning of his speech, the Prime Minister reminisced about childhood memories connected with Dhaka Cantonment.
“As I was coming here today, it suddenly felt like I had gone back about 45 or 46 years,” he shared, recalling the smaller scale of the Cantonment in the mid-1970s. He recounted memories of a smaller pathology unit and a garden-like area with cement benches, as well as visits to the family ward and interactions with the staff surgeon.
He also fondly remembered riding bicycles with friends along Shaheed Moinul Road, noting the transformation of the area into a beautiful place from what used to look like a jungle. “I have come today to a place that is deeply connected to a large part of my life,” he said, expressing his emotional connection to the area.
Addressing the sense of duty among officers and soldiers, the Prime Minister acknowledged their sacrifices, especially during Eid. “Many of you perhaps could not go on leave today because of the country’s needs,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for their commitment.
He assured the army personnel that the government is attentive to their welfare and responsibilities, highlighting their commendable actions during recent crises, such as rescuing journalists from newspaper office fires. The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of honoring the sacrifices of soldiers and the collective desire for a prosperous and secure nation.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Rahman reiterated the shared vision of a beautiful Bangladesh, underscoring goals for education, healthcare, and safety for all citizens. He urged everyone to fulfill their responsibilities to achieve the desired future for the country.