Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today announced that Cumilla would be declared as an administrative division.
"If declaring a division named Cumilla is the demand of the people of this region, InshaAllah, it will be implemented. The BNP government will gradually fulfill the demands of the people," he said.
The premier also said that steps would be taken regarding the establishment of an agricultural university in Cumilla after discussions with the education minister within a few days.
Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP chairman, made the announcements in response to repeated slogans from party leaders and activists while addressing a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar ground in Barura Upazila in the district this afternoon.
The premier addressed the rally around 1:30 pm on his way to Chandpur on a daylong visit.
At the rally, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid raised the demands on behalf of the people of Cumilla for declaring Cumilla as an administrative division and the establishment of an Agricultural University in the district while party activists expressed their support with loud applause.
Noting that people's strength is the strength of the BNP government, the Prime Minister called upon the countrymen to remain beside the government.
Recalling his visit to Barura during 2001 election campaign, he said, “On this day I had said that the names Barura and my home district Bogura sound very similar. Just as I would look after the development of my own area, InshaAllah, I would also support Barura.”
“We kept that promise at the time. Many roads, schools, colleges, bridges, and culverts were constructed here for the communication and convenience of the local people,” he said.
The Prime Minister said within 10 days of assuming office his government waived agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000 with interests as per its electoral pledges which benefited nearly 1.2 million farmers.
Tarique Rahman said BNP is fulfilling its pledges as the people gave their mandate to BNP in the February 12 election to run the country.
“People are the main strength of the BNP government,” he said adding in line with BNP’s electoral pledges, various programme including canal excavation, distribution of Family Card and Farmer’s Card, and stipends for imams and priests have already begun.
The remaining promises will also be implemented gradually in the future, he said.
Now is the time to build the country with united efforts of all, he said.
He called upon all citizens to make their efforts from their respective positions so that everyone becomes self-reliant.
“The people are the owners of the country; when the owners take responsibility, the country moves forward,” he said.
Criticizing the previous government, Tarique Rahman said the fascist regime oppressed and tortured the people unleashing spree of enforced disappearances, killings, and shootings as well as looted money and laundered the country’s wealth abroad.
As a result, the country’s economy is currently under pressure, he said.
“That is why we must work hard, make sacrifices, and remain patient. InshaAllah, we will gradually fulfill the demands and expectations of the people in phases,” he said.
Tarique Rahman received an overwhelming welcome from hundreds of thousands of people in Barura, Cumilla en-route to Chandpur.
His visit in the region after 25 long years drew not only party leaders and workers, but also ordinary people crowded on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader.
Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher chaired the rally while Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid, Cumilla-2 lawmaker Principal Md. Selim Bhuiyan, Cumilla Zila Parishad Administrator and BNP Organizing Secretary (Cumilla Division) Md. Mostak Mia, and Cumilla City Corporation Administrator Yusuf Molla Tipu also spoke.
Cumilla Metropolitan BNP General President Udbatul Bari Abu, Cumilla South District BNP Joint Secretary Kamrul Huda, Senior Vice President Amiruzzaman Amir, General Secretary Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, among others, also spoke.
