Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Rangpur today (Wednesday) to address Awami League’s grand rally where she opened 27 development rallies along with a number of programs.
On a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visited Rangpur after a gap of four years to address a grand rally organized by the ruling Awami League. The bustling city was filled with fervor and anticipation as people from all walks of life, along with AL leaders and activists, gathered to welcome the esteemed leader. The event marked the opening of 27 crucial development schemes and several other programs aimed at propelling the socio-economic growth of the region and the nation.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Rangpur began with her arrival at the Rangpur cantonment at 1: 13 PM via helicopter from Dhaka. From there, she proceeded to the Circuit House to hold a meeting with Rangpur divisional government officials, discussing vital matters of development and progress.
Rangpur City takes a festive mood to welcome the Prime Minister
The entire Rangpur city had a facelift to welcome Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, with hundreds of make-shift gates, festoons, banners, placards, and posters with images of the Father of the Nation and the Prime Minister. To accommodate 300 leaders and activists, workmen from Rajshahi and Dhaka constructed a massive platform in the style of a boat.
Since early in the morning, people from all walks of life, including AL leaders and activists, had gathered at the location, which by 1 pm was completely packed with people from all walks of life. They were seen chanting various slogans.
PM addresses the grand rally at Rangpur Zila School
Sheikh Hasina arrived at the Rangpur Zilla School ground around 3:26 pm to attend the grand rally, which was one of the largest gatherings with the participation of around one million people. Sheikh Hasina, also the Awami League president, addressed the huge public rally at the Rangpur Zilla School venue after around 12 years.
The prime minister urged attendees to support her party’s electoral symbol boat in the upcoming general election so they could have another opportunity to serve the public.
“People voted for the boat and got country’s independence … the country’s development happens only when Awami League remains in power. Fates of the people have changed, electricity has reached every house and Bangladesh is marching ahead as the Awami League is in the power,” she said.
Emphasizing the power of unity, she said that it is through collective efforts that Rangpur’s fate will shift. She also thanked the people for their support, pointing out that it was due to their votes that the nation became independent and experienced a major decline in poverty.
During her speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged the struggles faced by the people who had come from different areas to attend the rally. She assured them of her unwavering love and support, promising to work tirelessly to uplift their lives and ensure a better future for all citizens.
Speaking at the event were, among others, AL General Secretary and Minister for Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, AL Central Committee Treasurer HN Ashiqur Rahman, Organising Secretary Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan, and AL Convener for Rangpur district AKM Sayadat Hossain Bokul.
Dr. Delwar Hossain, the convener of Rangpur City AL, presided over the meeting.
PM inaugurates 27 development schemes in Rangpur
Sheikh Hasina celebrated the opening of 27 freshly built development programs at the location and placed the cornerstone for five more, all of which cost the district more than TK 20 billion (2000 crore). The projects run by several ministries, divisions, and Rangpur City Corporation are anticipated to help the local economy and the country’s overall socioeconomic standing.
The premier opened five development programs under Youth and Sports Ministry. These are-
- Sheikh Russell Media Centre,
- Sheikh Russell Indoor Stadium,
- Sheikh Russell Swimming Pool,
- Rangpur Palichara Stadium and
- Divisional Women Sports Complex.
The inaugurated projects under Rangpur City Corporation are –
- Rangpur City Central Bus Terminal,
- Rangpur City Asphalt Plant and Store Yard.
Under Agriculture Ministry, the projects are –
- The Nalaya River Re-excavation (19.14 kilometers),
- Alaikumari River Re-excavation (19.24 kilometers),
- Noimulla Beel Re-excavation (14.57 acres),
- Chithli Feel Re-excavation (19.63 acres),
- Varardaha and Patuakamri Beel Re-excavation (22.89 acres).
The projects under the Local Government and Rural Development and Cooperatives Ministry are –
- Development works of road from Pirgacha upazila’s Chowdhurani GC to Shathibari R&H,
- Rehabilitation works of road from Pirgacha upazila’s Vendabari to Khalashpir GC,
- Rehabilitation works of road from Kaunia upazila’s Tepamdhupur GC to Paotana GC,
- Construction of 96 metre bridge over Ghaghat river at Gopalganj Ghat in Mithapukur Upazila,
- Construction of 40 metre bridge on Burirhaat GC- Kakina R&H road in Gangachara upazila and
- Construction works of Pallimari government primary school cum shelter in Kaunia upazila.
The projects under Health Engineering Department are –
- Rangpur Medical College Multipurpose Building,
- Helencha 10-bed Mother and Child Welfare Centre at Mithapukur upazila in Rangpur,
- Office of Divisional Health Director of Rangpur Division,
- Matharganj 10-bed Mother and Child Welfare Centre at Pirganj upazila in Rangpur,
- 14 No Chatra 10-bed Mother and Child Welfare Centre at Pirganj upazila in Rangpur,
- 10 bed Begum Rokeya Modern Hospital of Payraband union of Mithapukur upazila in Rangpur and
- Khalashpir 10-bed Mother and Child Welfare Centre at Pirganj upazila in Rangpur.
The other projects are –
- Preservation of 2,540-metre river banks in Pirganj upazila and
- Office building inspection of Rangpur Factories and Organizations.
The five projects in which foundation stones were laid are –
- The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Novo Theatre,
- Rangpur Regional Office of Bangladesh Public Service Commission Secretariat,
- Bitac Centre of Rangpur district,
- Women’s hostel for Rangpur Medical College and
- Regional office of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA).
At a cost of TK 417 crore, the 10-story Novo Theatre is being constructed on 10 acres of ground in Rangpur Upshohor, some six kilometers from Rangpur town. The Novo Theatre will provide jobs and contribute to the neighborhood’s continued socioeconomic improvement.
Country’s largest Solar power plant
Sheikh Hasina inaugurated Bangladesh’s largest solar power plant, Tista Solar Limited from Rangpur Zila School, on Wednesday. The 200-megawatt facility, constructed by Beximco Power Limited, spans 600 acres in Gaibandha Sundarganj. It is the largest solar power center in Bangladesh and one of Asia’s largest. The project aims to contribute to sustainable development and environmental protection against global warming. This solar power plant represents a significant step towards reducing power imports and fostering regional economic development. Lastly, the grand rally in Rangpur showcased the people’s enthusiasm and support for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The visit not only strengthened the party’s position in the region but also demonstrated the government’s dedication to progress and prosperity.
Photo Credit: Yeasin Kabir Joy
