Full Breakdown
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman Visits Durga Puja Pandals, Calls for Unity and Equal Rights
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Core Event: Durga Puja Outreach Tour
On October 20, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman began a three-city tour of Durga Puja pandals in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Chattogram. The visits were framed as an effort to meet members of the Hindu community, exchange greetings, and underscore the government’s commitment to “peaceful coexistence” during the festival’s most important days. After arriving in Rangpur by air-force aircraft in the morning, Rahman attended the Radha Govinda Dharmasabha Temple mandap, then proceeded to Rajshahi’s Dharmasabha Temple and concluded the day in Chattogram’s JM Sen Hall. He returned to Dhaka that night.
Background & Context
The tour follows a year-long series of violent attacks on religious minorities that drew criticism of the interim administration that preceded Rahman’s government. New Delhi had repeatedly raised concerns about the rise in attacks on Hindus, Christians and Buddhists after the political transition in August 2024. Rahman’s outreach arrives amid these tensions, with the government emphasizing equal rights for all faiths.
Timeline
- September 29 – Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar told The Daily Star that the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had requested a grant of 4 crore taka for Durga Puja.
- October 7 – Rahman handed over a cheque for 3 crore taka to support the Buddhist community’s Kathin Chibar Dan festival.
- October 6 – The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council welcomed the extension of the Durga Puja grant, calling it a long-standing demand of minorities.
- October 20 – Rahman began his Durga Puja visits, meeting Hindu devotees in the three cities.
- October 23 – 24 – Government employees receive five consecutive days off, covering the weekend and the public holidays declared for the festival.
- October 21 (scheduled) – The five-day festivities will conclude with the immersion of idols on Bijoya Dashami.
Data & Statistics
- The Durga Puja grant was increased from 4 crore taka to 5 crore taka after the Prime Minister’s approval.
- 3 crore taka was allocated on October 7 for the Buddhist Kathin Chibar Dan festival.
- 964 pandals are being celebrated across Rangpur district this year, a rise from the previous year.
Official Statements & Responses
Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar confirmed the grant increase and noted the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust’s original request. The Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council expressed approval of the extended grant, stating it met a “long-standing demand of religious minorities.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just as people of all religions came together to liberate this country, and worked together to establish the political rights of its people, we must also work together, irrespective of religious beliefs and affiliations, if we want to build the Bangladesh we aspire to create.” — Tarique Rahman, BANGLADESH PRIME minister
- “Our commitment is to build a welfare-oriented, safe and humane Bangladesh for all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, opinion, religion or ethnicity,” — Minister Tarique, BANGLADESH PRIME minister
What’s Next
Following the Rangpur stop, Rahman was scheduled to travel to Rajshahi and then Chattogram on the same day, after which he would return to Dhaka. The government’s extended public holidays and the five-day festival schedule will continue through October 21, culminating in the immersion of Durga Puja idols.