Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Chattogram on Tuesday evening will help strengthen communal harmony by reinforcing the message of equal rights and dignity for all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity, said State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after visiting a Durga Puja mandap at JM Sen Hall in Chattogram city on Tuesday afternoon.
Mir Helal said this was the first time a head of government had visited Chattogram on the occasion of Durga Puja.
He added that BNP Chairperson and former prime minister Khaleda Zia had visited the city earlier during Janmashtami celebrations.
He said Tarique Rahman’s visit, in his capacity as both prime minister and BNP chairman, had generated enthusiasm among people.
Referring to Tarique’s pre-election pledge to build a “rainbow nation”, the state minister said the prime minister is working to fulfil his commitment to establishing a society free from discrimination.
Maintaining mutual trust, goodwill and harmony among people of all faiths is essential, he said, adding that a discrimination-free society could be built only by ensuring equal rights and dignity for every citizen, regardless of religion or ethnicity.
Mir Helal expressed hope that the prime minister’s visit would contribute to achieving that goal.
After visiting JM Sen Hall, Tarique Rahman is scheduled to meet leaders of the BNP’s Chattogram city, north and south units.
Senior city leaders, lawmakers, central BNP leaders, ministers and state ministers are expected to attend the meeting.
BNP Central Organising Secretary and Chattogram District Council Administrator Mahbuber Rahman Shamim said the prime minister would address the meeting and provide directions to party leaders.
“The prime minister’s remarks will make his message and the issues he wants to address clear,” he said.
Asked about the expectations of party leaders, Shamim said, “We have many hopes and expectations. We are seeking them every day.”
Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasan Mohammad Shawkat Ali said extensive security arrangements have been made ahead of the prime minister’s visit.
He said the highest level of security had been ensured in line with protocol, with uniformed police, plainclothes officers and personnel in civilian attire deployed for security duties.
He expressed hope that the visit would proceed smoothly under the security arrangements.
