Prime Minister (PM) Tarique Rahman on Saturday signalled the creation of a new administrative division named after Cumilla, responding to growing public calls during a rally in Barura upazila.

Addressing supporters at Laxmipur Bazar while en route to Chandpur, Rahman said the government would move forward with forming Cumilla Division if it reflects the will of the people in the region.

“If this is the demand of the people here, it will be implemented. The BNP government will fulfil public aspirations step by step,” he told the crowd amid repeated slogans backing the proposal.

He also indicated that discussions would soon begin with the Ministry of Education on establishing an agricultural university in Cumilla, another demand raised at the rally.

Agriculture Minister Amin Ur Rashid Yasin formally presented both proposals on behalf of local residents, drawing strong applause from party leaders and activists.

Housing and Public Works Minister and local lawmaker Zakaria Taher Sumon added to the list of demands, calling for the district hospital’s capacity to be expanded from 150 beds to between 250 and 300 beds alongside the formation of the new division.

During his address, the Prime Minister recalled pledges he had made to Barura during the 2001 election campaign, promising development similar to that in his home district of Bogura.

He said those commitments were honoured through the construction of roads, schools, colleges, bridges and culverts to improve local infrastructure.

Rahman also highlighted the government’s decision to waive agricultural loans of up to Tk 10000, including accrued interest, describing it as an early fulfilment of an election promise.

He said approximately 1.2 million farmers benefited from the measure within the first 10 days of the administration taking office.

Referring to the February 12 election, the Prime Minister said voters had entrusted the BNP with governing responsibilities and that work had already begun on key pledges such as canal re excavation, distribution of family and farmer cards and allowances for imams and priests.

Remaining commitments, he added, would be implemented gradually and asked for patience from the public.

Calling for unity in rebuilding the country, Rahman said citizens must contribute from their respective positions to make the nation self reliant. “The people are the owners of the country. When they take responsibility, the country moves forward,” he said.

He also criticised the previous Awami League administration, alleging economic mismanagement and repression during its 17 years in power, which he said had left the country under financial strain. Overcoming these challenges, he added, would require collective effort and perseverance.

The rally, chaired by Zakaria Taher, drew thousands of party leaders and supporters who began gathering at the venue from early morning. The Prime Minister arrived at around 1:20 pm to loud cheers.

Earlier in the day, Rahman departed Dhaka from his Gulshan residence at about 8:45 am for a day long visit to Chandpur. During the trip, he inaugurated the re excavation of two canals, addressed another rally at Chandpur Government College ground and was scheduled to distribute Family Cards and attend an organisational meeting with local BNP leaders.

This is his first trip to Chandpur as Prime Minister and his first to the district in 22 years. His previous visit was in 2004, when he served as Senior Joint Secretary General of the BNP.