‘Set aside differences, move forward together’ - PM exchanges Eid greetings at Jamuna

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Eid-ul-Fitr called for collective efforts beyond political differences and opinion to build a Bangladesh that meets people’s expectations.

“Setting aside political differences, we must move forward together to build the Bangladesh people aspire for,” he said after exchanging Eid greetings with people from different walks of life at the state guest house Jamuna on March 21, reports BSS.

“We pray to Allah this Eid that we can build the Bangladesh that meets people’s expectations,” he also said, adding that the government would continue its efforts to this end and sought cooperation from all sections of society.

He further stressed the importance of public support, saying the elected government would be able to move forward with full strength if it receives people’s cooperation.

This was Tarique Rahman’s first Eid celebration in the country upon his return to Bangladesh on December 25 last year after 17 years in London. He assumed office as prime minister after being elected in the 13th national election on February 12 this year.

Tarique expressed gratitude for being able to celebrate Eid in the country after many years and hoped that future Eids would be observed in a more peaceful and uninterrupted environment.

Extending Eid greetings to all, he wished peace, happiness and prosperity for the people, and paid tribute to the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 uprising.

Earlier on Eid day, the PM offered Eid prayers at the National Eidgah alongside President Mohammed Shahabuddin and thousands of devotees.

He exchanged greetings with the president before joining the main congregation, which began at 8:34am.

Baitul Mukarram National Mosque’s Khatib Mufti Muhammad Abdul Malek led the prayers and conducted munajat seeking peace and welfare for the country and the Muslim world.

Despite cloudy skies and light drizzle, devotees thronged the Eidgah from early morning. Arrangements were made for around 35,000 worshippers to offer prayers at a time, with separate facilities for women.

Chief Justice, Supreme Court judges, cabinet members, lawmakers, senior political leaders, diplomats, and high civil and military officials joined the congregation.

After the prayers, the PM went to the state guest house Jamuna, where he first exchanged greetings with foreign diplomats, followed by cabinet members, lawmakers, distinguished citizens, academicians, ulema and mashayekh, artists, writers, senior civil servants, civil society members, and people from different strata of society, BSS reported.

Following the programme, the PM, along with his family members, went to Sher-e-Bangla Nagar and offered prayers at the graves of his father, former president Ziaur Rahman, and his mother, former prime minister Khaleda Zia.

His wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, Arafat Rahman Koko’s wife Syeda Sharmila Rahman, and their daughters Zahia Rahman and Zafia Rahman were present at the time.

As chairman of the BNP, Tarique also placed a floral wreath at the graves alongside senior party leaders, including secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, standing committee members Nazrul Islam Khan, Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku, and Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, among others.

Afterward, the PM returned to his Gulshan residence with his family members, according to his press wing.