United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to visit Durga Puja mandaps in Rangpur, Rajshahi and Chattogram on Tuesday, marking what officials say the first visit by a head of government to Hindu community celebrations outside Dhaka during the Sharadiya festival. PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon on Monday said the Prime Minister will visit Rangpur first in the morning, followed by Rajshahi and Chattogram. During the visits, he will extend greetings to priests and devotees and exchange views with members of the Hindu community, Rumon said. Tarique Rahman will return to Dhaka on Tuesday night after visiting the puja mandaps in Chattogram, he added. The Prime Minister is scheduled to leave Tejgaon Airport at 9:00am by military aircraft for the three-district tour. Earlier on Sunday night, he visited Durga Puja mandaps in Dhaka’s Mohakhali and Banani areas. His wife, Dr Zubaida Rahman, accompanied him during the visits. Maha Nabami will be celebrated on Tuesday, while the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community will end on October 21 with the immersion of idols on Bijoya Dashami.