Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has announced that the long-standing demand to make Cumilla a separate administrative division will be implemented.
The announcement came on Saturday (May 16) at around 1:30 PM during a roadside rally held at Lakshmipur Bazar ground in Barura upazila of Cumilla. Responding to repeated slogans from BNP leaders and activists demanding a “Cumilla Division,” the Prime Minister said:
“If this truly reflects the demand of the people, Inshallah, it will be implemented.”
At the same event, the Prime Minister also said that steps would soon be taken to establish an agricultural university in Cumilla after discussions with the Education Minister.
When the Prime Minister arrived at the rally stage around 11:15 AM, supporters welcomed him with loud applause, and he responded by waving at the crowd.
During the rally, Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid Yasin formally demanded the creation of a “Cumilla Division” and the establishment of an agricultural university on behalf of the people of Cumilla. Party workers strongly supported the proposal with enthusiastic applause.
Similarly, local Member of Parliament and Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon demanded that Cumilla be declared a division and that Cumilla Sadar Hospital be upgraded to a 250- or 300-bed facility.
Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Atiqur Rahman said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman was on his way to Chandpur and attended the roadside rally en route.
Earlier in the morning, party leaders, activists, and supporters began arriving at the venue in small processions carrying banners and festoons. By 10:30 AM, the gathering at Lakshmipur Bazar ground had turned into a massive rally with thousands of attendees.
Later in the day, the Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate the re-excavation works of “Khordda Khal” at Uyaruk Bazar in Shahrasti upazila of Chandpur and the Bishwo Khal canal in Kumarduli village under Shah Mahmudpur Union of Chandpur Sadar upazila.
Afterward, Tarique Rahman will distribute family cards at the Chandpur Government College ground and participate in an organizational meeting with local BNP leaders at the Chandpur Club.
