Cumilla to be declared as administrative division: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday announced that Cumilla would be declared as an administrative division.

“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,” he said.

He made the remarks while addressing a roadside rally at Lakshmipur Bazar ground in Barura Upazila this afternoon. The rally was held around 1:30 pm during his daylong visit to Chandpur.

Tarique Rahman also said steps would be taken to establish an agricultural university in Cumilla after discussions with the education minister in the coming days.

He further said the government has already waived agricultural loans, including interest, for 1.2 million farmers whose outstanding loans were within Tk 10,000.

“We have started implementing, step by step, the promises we made before the election,” he said. “The people of Cumilla are largely dependent on agriculture, and they have demanded an agricultural university in Cumilla. I will soon sit with the Education Minister so that the university can be established as quickly as possible.”

However, he urged people to remain patient, noting that the country is currently under economic pressure.

“The country has been pushed backward over the last 17 years. We will gradually fulfill all demands, but everyone must be patient,” he added.

Referring to the country’s political history, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971 through immense sacrifice and bloodshed, but could not progress like many other newly independent nations due to prolonged authoritarian rule.

He also mentioned the mass uprising of 2024, saying, “Young people sacrificed their fresh blood for democracy. Now is the time to rebuild the country.”

“We promised to honor imams and religious leaders, and we have already begun that work. Step by step, we will fulfill all your demands, InshaAllah,” he said, urging citizens to work hard for national development.

Earlier, speaking at another roadside rally in Mudaffarganj of Laksam Upazila, he promised that 5 million women would receive family cards within one year. He also said allocations for the family card program would be included in the national budget.