PM backs demand for Cumilla division, hints at agricultural university

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced that a new administrative division would be formed in the name of Cumilla.

He made the announcement at a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar in Barura upazila amid repeated slogans from party leaders and activists demanding Cumilla Division.

“If this demand truly reflects the aspiration of people, Inshallah, it will be implemented,” the Prime Minister said.

Tarique Rahman also said the government would discuss with the education ministry soon the issue of establishing an agricultural university in Cumilla.

Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid Yasin raised the demands for a Cumilla Division and an agricultural university on behalf of the people of the district during the rally.

Party leaders and activists welcomed the proposals with loud applause.

Housing and Public Works Minister and local MP Zakaria Taher Sumon also demanded upgrading the district hospital from 150 beds to 250-300 beds, alongside the formation of the proposed division.

The Prime Minister addressed the rally while travelling to Chandpur on a day-long visit to attend several programmes.

He arrived at the rally venue around 1:20 pm. As he stepped onto the stage, leaders and activists welcomed him with loud applause and cheers.

Tarique waved to the crowd in response to their greetings.

Party leaders, activists and supporters started gathering at Lakshmipur Bazar ground from around 9am in small processions carrying banners and festoons.

By 10:30am, the roadside rally turned into a large gathering with the presence of thousands of leaders and activists.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman left Dhaka for Chandpur by road from his Gulshan residence at around 8:45am.

During the Chandpur visit, he is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation work of two canals, address a public rally at Chandpur Government College ground, distribute Family Cards and attend an organisational meeting with local BNP leaders and activists.

This is Tarique Rahman’s first visit to Chandpur as Prime Minister and his first trip to the district in 22 years. He last visited Chandpur in 2004 when he served as Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP.