Prime Minister Tarique Rahman began the first working day of the week today with a light yet symbolic remark- "Let's go to war" - as he left his residence for office in the morning.

Opening the door of his residence in the city's Gulshan area around 8:42am and smiling at those present, the Prime Minister said, "Let's go to war."

The unusual moment occurred as he stepped out to begin another day of official duties, similar to any other working day.

Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman, who was present beside the premier as usual, later described the moment, saying when the Prime Minister made the three-word remark, the personal officials present there were initially taken by surprise.

Moments later, however, everyone understood that the Prime Minister was referring to the challenges of governing the country, describing the daily responsibilities of running the state as a "war," Ruman said.

He said the Prime Minister arrived at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here around 9:30 am, where he had several meetings scheduled throughout the day.

According to the programme schedule, the premier would hold meetings with Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, Education Adviser Mahdi Amin, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun and several other officials.