Rangpur:Dhaka Prime Minister Tarique Rahman departed Dhaka this morning for a visit to Durga Puja mandaps in the Rangpur, Rajshahi, and Chattogram divisions on the occasion of Maha Navami, the ninth day of the Hindu community's Durga Puja festival.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Prime Minister left Tejgaon Airport at 900 am aboard a military aircraft heading to Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari. In Rangpur, he is set to visit the puja mandap at Radha Gobinda Temple, where he will meet with devotees before traveling to Rajshahi and Chattogram, and returning to Dhaka tonight.
The Prime Minister's schedule includes a 1230 pm departure from Saidpur Airport to Rajshahi's Shah Makhdum Airport. At 115 pm, he will visit the Dharmasabha Temple's puja mandap, followed by a brief stop at Rajshahi Circuit House at 215 pm. At 300 pm, he is expected to attend a public meeting at Haji Muhammad Mohsin Government High School's playground.
Later, he will fly from Shah Makhdum Airport to Chattogram's Shah Amanat International Airport at 415 pm, visiting the puja mandap at JM Sen Hall in Rahmatganj at 530 pm. After a short stop at Chattogram Circuit House at 645 pm, he plans to leave for Dhaka, arriving at Tejgaon Airport by 915 pm.
Prime Minister Rahman emphasized the government's commitment to ensuring religious freedom and security for all, stating that measures have been taken to facilitate the Hindu community's Durga Puja celebrations, including increased allocations, extended holidays, and support for puja mandaps.
Accompanying the Prime Minister on this visit are several prominent figures, including BNP Standing Committee Member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof AZM Zahid Hossain, and others.
The visit follows earlier trips to puja mandaps in Dhaka's Mohakhali and Banani areas, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman. Durga Puja celebrations are set to conclude tomorrow with the immersion of idols.