Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman calls for unity at Durga Puja rally in Rangpur
Synopsis
At his first major public rally during Durga Puja as Prime Minister, Tarique Rahman framed Bangladesh as a shared homeland for Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians alike — invoking the 1971 liberation and unveiling welfare steps including farm loan waivers of up to 10,000 taka. The address signals how the BNP government intends to position itself on minority inclusion heading into a politically charged season.
Key Takeaways
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman addressed a road rally at Paglapir, Rangpur on 20 October 2026 during Durga Puja celebrations.
He declared that Bangladesh belongs equally to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians , calling for unity in national development.
Rahman recalled that people of all faiths fought together for Bangladesh's independence , urging the same spirit for the country's future.
The BNP -led government has waived farm loans of up to 10,000 taka and introduced family and farmer cards since taking office after the February elections .
Allowances have been arranged for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders across communities.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, called on citizens of all faiths to unite in building the nation, invoking the shared sacrifice of the country's 1971 liberation as a model for inter-religious cooperation. Rahman made the remarks at a road rally in Paglapir, Rangpur, during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations.
Key Remarks at the Rangpur Rally
Addressing the gathering, Rahman emphasised that Bangladesh belongs equally to every citizen, regardless of religion. 'People of all religions, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, are citizens of this Bangladesh. This country is for everyone. Therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to develop the country and build its future. Everyone must work together to build the desired Bangladesh through mutual cooperation and collective effort,' he was quoted as saying by Bangladeshi media outlet Bartabazar.
Rahman drew a direct parallel between the country's independence struggle — in which, he said, followers of every faith participated — and the present imperative of national development. The rally served as a platform to frame Durga Puja not merely as a Hindu festival but as an occasion for collective national reflection.
Welfare Measures Since BNP Took Office
Rahman also outlined steps taken since his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power following the February elections. He stated that farm loans of up to 10,000 taka have been waived, family and farmer cards introduced, and allowances arranged for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders across communities.
'After the elections, the people of Bangladesh have given the BNP the responsibility of running the country. Ever since the government took over the responsibility of running the country, efforts have been made to stand by the hardworking people of the country,' he said, adding that initiatives are being taken to address the needs of every section of society.
Context: Religious Harmony as a Political Priority
Rahman's speech comes at a sensitive juncture. Bangladesh has witnessed periodic incidents of communal tension in recent years, and statements by the national leadership during major Hindu festivals carry particular weight. This is notably the first Durga Puja under the BNP-led government, making Rahman's public address at a rally during the festival a signal of the administration's stated stance on minority inclusion.
Notably, by extending financial support to imams, muezzins and other religious functionaries — spanning faiths — the government appears to be institutionalising a cross-community welfare approach, rather than limiting outreach to the Muslim majority.
What Comes Next
Rahman pledged that welfare measures would continue to be rolled out for people from all sections of society. 'Everyone must work together to build the country. Let it be everyone's commitment to build the desired Bangladesh,' he said, closing his address. Observers will watch whether the BNP government's stated pluralism translates into concrete policy protections for religious minorities, particularly in the run-up to local elections expected in the coming months.
Point of View
Not just festival-season speeches. A government that extends allowances to imams and muezzins while remaining silent on targeted anti-minority incidents will struggle to make that case.
NationPress
20 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman say at the Durga Puja rally?
Rahman declared that Bangladesh belongs equally to citizens of all religions — Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians — and urged collective effort to develop the country. He made the remarks at a road rally in Paglapir, Rangpur, on 20 October 2026, during the Durga Puja celebrations.
Why did Tarique Rahman address a rally during Durga Puja?
The rally in Rangpur coincided with Durga Puja, and Rahman used the occasion to stress inter-religious unity, citing Bangladesh's 1971 liberation as an example of all faiths working together. It is the first Durga Puja under the BNP-led government, making the address politically significant.
What welfare measures has the BNP government introduced since coming to power?
According to Rahman, the government has waived farm loans of up to 10,000 taka, introduced family and farmer cards, and arranged allowances for imams, muezzins and other religious leaders. He said these steps reflect the government's commitment to supporting every section of society.
When did Tarique Rahman's BNP come to power in Bangladesh?
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) came to power after the February elections, following which Tarique Rahman assumed the role of Prime Minister. The Rangpur rally marks one of his public addresses during a major religious festival since assuming office.
What is the significance of Rahman's speech for Bangladesh's religious minorities?
The speech signals that the BNP government is publicly positioning itself as inclusive of religious minorities, at a time when communal harmony remains a sensitive issue in Bangladesh. Observers will watch whether the rhetoric is followed by concrete policy and legal protections for minority communities.
