Story perspectives

Bangladesh boosts Durga Puja grant to Tk 5 crore

By Drooid · Oct 21, 2026, 10:28 AM UTC · How we work

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New Delhi raises concerns

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited several Durga Puja pandals in Rangpur on Tuesday, October 21, 2026.
His remarks urged equal rights for all religions, stressing government’s duty to serve citizens irrespective of faith, citing 1971 Liberation War and minority attacks.
He addressed a Sharadiya greetings programme at Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple on Maha Navami.
New Delhi raised concerns with Bangladesh over attacks on Hindus, Christians and Buddhists after August 2024 transition.

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Increased Puja Funding

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited Durga Puja pandals in Rangpur on Tuesday, October 21, 2026.
The government increased the Durga Puja grant to Tk 5 crore, up from the previously requested Tk 4 crore.
He landed at Saidpur Airport on an Air Force plane at 9:50 AM, greeted by ministers.
Rangpur district hosted 964 Durga Puja pandals, more than last year, ending on Bijoya Dashami.

History

Historical Context

In 1972, Bangladesh adopted its first constitution, enshrining secularism as one of four foundational state principles and set the tone for future religious inclusion policies. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then Prime Minister, championed the document, which listed four principles and allocated modest funds for minority cultural events. Today, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s October 21, 2026 Rangpur visits and the Tk 5 crore Durga Puja grant echo the constitution’s pledge to support all faiths. The precedent suggests Bangladesh will continue balancing secular commitments with minority funding, influencing regional diplomatic dialogues with India and domestic cohesion.

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New Delhi raises concerns

Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman visited several Durga Puja pandals in Rangpur on Tuesday, October 21, 2026.
His remarks urged equal rights for all religions, stressing government’s duty to serve citizens irrespective of faith, citing 1971 Liberation War and minority attacks.
He addressed a Sharadiya greetings programme at Radha Gobinda Dharmasabha Temple on Maha Navami.
New Delhi raised concerns with Bangladesh over attacks on Hindus, Christians and Buddhists after August 2024 transition.

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