Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today addressed as the chief guest at a views exchange meeting with ulema and Islamic thinkers at Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari. Photo: PMO

FATIKCHHARI, Chattogram, Aug 9, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called upon Islamic scholars and ulema to work together with the government to maintain peace and stability in the country and improve the living standards of the people.

"People of different religions live in this country. We, the Muslims, will practise our religion, while others will practise theirs. At the same time, as the majority of the people here are Muslims, we will take Islam forward and move the country forward, Insha’Allah," he said.

The Prime Minister was addressing as the chief guest at a views exchange meeting with ulema and Islamic thinkers at Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari this afternoon.

Referring to attempts by opponents in the 13th parliamentary election to create disorder in the country, Tarique Rahman said: "We saw it in 1991, we saw it in 1996, and you also saw it during the last election that we and you worked together in the election against those who wanted to take the country in a different direction."

He continued, "Over the past few days, they have again been trying to spread various kinds of statements and misinformation. They are trying to create chaos.

"That is why I am saying that we are working together and trying to keep the country on the right track. As we worked together two years ago, with the blessings of Huzur (Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari), I want to say and request that we must remain together in the days ahead as well," the Prime Minister said.

Referring to various demands raised by the Qawmi madrasa community, he said the government would try to address them gradually.

"Yes, I know that some demands have been raised here. We will try to resolve those gradually. But we have to understand that many other people also live in this country. We want to build such a Bangladesh where the people and children of Bangladesh can live with food and shelter, live in peace, and people of different religions can live together peacefully," he said.
 
Explaining the purpose of his visit to Fatikchhari. Tarique said, "The main reason for coming here is to seek Huzur's (Allama Shah Muhibullah Babunagari) blessings."
 
Emphasising economic growth and social development, the Prime Minister urged everyone to remain vigilant so that those trying to spread misinformation and create disorder will not succeed.
 
"We have to create employment opportunities for the people of the country, improve healthcare, strengthen the education system, and repair and develop roads, schools, colleges, bridges and culverts," he said.
 
Regarding to the investment climate in the country, the Prime Minister said instability would discourage both domestic and foreign investors. "If there is disorder in the country, foreign investors will not be encouraged to invest here . If there is no disorder, foreigners will invest, and as a result, our children and family members will have opportunities for employment," he said.
 
"Restoring financial comfort for the people of the country is our main responsibility. We have formed the government to fulfil the responsibility that Allah Ta'ala has given us. You will pray so that we can do something better for the welfare of the people of the country," added the Prime Minister.
 
At the meeting, Hefazat-e-Islam Secretary General Sajidur Rahman placed a seven-point set of demands on behalf of the ulema and Islamic parties.
 
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, among others, also spoke at the meeting.
 
Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived in Fatikchhari by helicopter from Banshkhali at around 3:20pm. After landing at Pelagazi Dighi field, he was warmly received by local leaders and activists.

He then travelled to Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Ulum Babunagar Madrasa aboard a red-and-green bus bearing the slogan "Bangladesh First". 

Thousands of people lined both sides of the road to greet the Prime Minister as he made his way to the madrasa. Upon his arrival, the madrasa students greeted him with much enthusiasm, and the Prime Minister responded by waving to them and exchanging greetings.