Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday called on people of all faiths to work together to build their desired Bangladesh, stressing that the country belongs equally to Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians.

“Just as people of all religions united to liberate the country in 1971, we want to build Bangladesh together, with people of all faiths,” he said while addressing a roadside rally at Paglapir Point on his way to Rangpur to visit a Durga Puja mandap on Maha Navami.

“From today, let us pledge that this country belongs to all of us—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians. We will work hard together to build the Bangladesh we aspire to see,” the Prime Minister said.

Tarique said people had entrusted the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) with the responsibility of governing the country following the February 12 parliamentary election.

Since taking office, his government has been working to support people from all walks of life, he said.

As part of these efforts, the government has waived agricultural loans of up to Tk 10,000 for farmers and introduced the Family Card and Farmers’ Card programmes, he added.

The government has also introduced monthly allowances for imams, muezzins and religious leaders of other faiths, Tarique said.

He added that the government was striving to support people from all professions and sections of society.

Referring to Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, the Prime Minister called on people of all faiths to join hands in building the country.

Earlier, Tarique left Saidpur Airport for Rangpur by road after arriving from Dhaka aboard a military aircraft.

Hundreds of BNP leaders, activists and supporters gathered along both sides of the road, including at Taraganj and Paglapir, to welcome him.

He waved to the crowds from his motorcade and briefly addressed gatherings at both locations.

Sun News/ rabbi