Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived in Sylhet on Saturday morning on a daylong official tour to inaugurate several development projects, including a major riverfront beautification initiative and a nationwide youth sports program.
This marks his first official visit to the holy city since assuming office as Prime Minister.
The Premier, accompanied by his spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, landed at Osmani International Airport at approximately 10:05 am on a domestic flight, having departed from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka earlier that morning.
Despite inclement weather and rain, thousands of people gathered along the streets to welcome him, and the Prime Minister responded by waving to the crowds of party leaders, activists, and citizens.
He began his visit by offering ziarat and fateha at the shrine of the Sufi saint Hazrat Shahjalal (R), where he recited Darood Sharif and prayed for the peace and prosperity of the nation.
Following his visit to the shrine, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman inaugurated the Surma River beautification and flood protection project at Chandni Ghat at 11 am.
He laid the foundation stone for the infrastructure project, which aims to enhance both banks of the river and address the city's long-standing waterlogging issues.
During the ceremony, the Prime Minister was briefed on the technical details of the project by concerned officials and addressed a civic rally organized at the site.
He was joined at the event by Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, Expatriates' Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Humaiun Kobir, and Sylhet City Corporation Administrator Abdul Kaiyum Chowdhury.
Around noon, the Prime Minister traveled to Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar Upazila to officially inaugurate the re-excavation program of the Baisha River.
After completing these inaugural duties, he is scheduled to offer Zuhr prayers and have lunch at the Sylhet Circuit House.
In the afternoon, the Premier will inaugurate "Notun Kuri Sports 2026" at the Sylhet Stadium at 3 pm.
This new initiative, which was a central part of the BNP’s election pledges, is designed to explore and nurture sports talent among children and teenagers at the district level.
Later in the evening, the Prime Minister is expected to attend a party meeting at the Shilpakala Academy before returning to Dhaka tonight.
Notably, on January 21, Tarique Rahman had formally launched his campaign for the 13th National Parliamentary Election from this city, delivering a significant speech at the Government Alia Madrasa ground.
