PM Promises Cumilla Administrative Division and Agricultural University at Rally

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced that Cumilla would be declared an administrative division, marking a historic moment for the region during his first visit to the district since assuming office as the head of the government. 

Addressing a massive roadside rally at the Lakshmipur Bazar ground in Barura Upazila this afternoon, the Premier responded to persistent demands from the local populace, stating, "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."

The Prime Minister also announced that steps would be taken regarding the establishment of an agricultural university in Cumilla following discussions with the education minister within a few days. 

Tarique Rahman, who also serves as the ruling BNP Chairman, made these announcements in response to repeated slogans from party leaders and activists during the rally, which he addressed at around 1:30 pm while on his way to Chandpur for a daylong official visit. 

At the rally, Agriculture Minister Mohammed Aminur Rashid formally raised the demands on behalf of the people of Cumilla for declaring Cumilla as an administrative division and establishing the agricultural university, as party activists expressed their enthusiastic support with loud applause.

Noting that the people's strength is the fundamental strength of his administration, the Prime Minister called upon the countrymen to remain beside the government. 

Recalling his previous visit to Barura during the 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.” 

He added, “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.”

The Prime Minister further highlighted that within 10 days of assuming office, his government waived agricultural loans up to Taka 10,000 with interests as per its electoral pledges, which directly benefited nearly 1.2 million farmers. 

He noted that BNP is fulfilling its promises because the people gave their mandate to the party in the February 12 election to run the country, reaffirming that “People are the main strength of the BNP government.” 

He stated that in line with BNP’s electoral pledges, various programs including canal excavation, the distribution of Family Cards and Farmer’s Cards, and stipends for imams and priests have already begun, promising that the remaining pledges will be implemented gradually in the future.

Emphasizing national unity, Tarique Rahman remarked that now is the time to build the country with the combined efforts of all, calling upon citizens to make 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. 

Launching a sharp critique against the previous administration, the Prime Minister said the fascist regime oppressed and tortured the people by unleashing a spree of enforced disappearances, killings, and shootings, as well as looting money and laundering the country’s wealth abroad, which has left the national economy under severe pressure. 

“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 urged.

The Prime Minister's arrival in the region after 25 long years drew an overwhelming welcome from hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens, party workers, and leaders who crowded both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of him. 

Since Saturday morning, a massive presence of people created a festive atmosphere along the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway and the Comilla–Chandpur regional road. 

At around 10:45 am, when the Premier’s motorcade crossed the Meghna-Gumti Bridge area in Daudkandi, leaders and activists welcomed him with slogans, banners, and festoons. 

In the Daudkandi area, the Premier was greeted with flowers by Khandaker Maruf Hossain, son of Cumilla-1 constituency lawmaker Dr. Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, who led a large contingent of standing activists.

By 11:45 am, the Prime Minister’s convoy reached the Nimsar area of Cumilla. Along the route, supporters of Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad greeted him in the Elliotganj area, while supporters of MP Haji Jasim Uddin gathered along the roadside in the Nimsar Bazar area. 

Furthermore, from Alekharchar on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway to the Cumilla–Chandpur regional road, leaders and supporters of Cumilla South District BNP, Cumilla Metropolitan BNP, and supporters of Cumilla Sadar constituency MP Monirul Haque Chowdhury stood in long lines. 

A significant presence of activists led by Comilla-9 Laksam-Manohorganj constituency MP Abul Kalam was also observed stretching from Bijra to the rally venue.

Surrounding the high-profile visit, security measures were tightly enforced at important intersections, roads, and public gathering spots across the district. 

Alongside law enforcement personnel, administrative officials were actively deployed on the ground, and special traffic arrangements were executed to maintain normal vehicle movement. 

Reflecting on the massive turnout, Cumilla Metropolitan BNP President Udbatul Bari Abu noted, “There is tremendous enthusiasm among party leaders and activists to welcome Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. At every important point on the roads and highways, activists are standing with banners, festoons, and placards.” 

Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Reza Hasan assured that “The district administration has taken comprehensive preparations for the Prime Minister’s visit to Comilla. Necessary measures have been taken to ensure security and maintain normal traffic movement.”

The roadside rally was chaired by Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher. 

Other prominent figures who spoke at the event included 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. 

Additional speeches were delivered by Cumilla Metropolitan BNP General President Udbatul Bari Abu, Cumilla South District BNP Joint Secretary Kamrul Huda, Senior Vice President Amiruzzaman Amir and General Secretary Ashikur Rahman Mahmud Wasim, among other regional leaders.