A meeting on strengthening religious and social harmony was held at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Tejgaon on Saturday afternoon.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presided over the meeting, according to a PMO media release.
Ministers, state ministers and relevant senior officials attended the meeting held at the Cabinet Conference Room of the PMO.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister’s adviser Mahdi Amin said the programme would be rolled out in phases. “Following the Prime Minister's directive, a decision has been taken that, InshaAllah, before this Eid we will complete the necessary preparations and start the programme gradually.
In some areas, respected khatibs, imams and muezzins will be given an honorarium, InshaAllah,” he said.
He added that the specific amount of the honorarium has not yet been determined and will be finalised at an inter-ministerial meeting. Mahdi spoke in the presence of State Minister for Local Government and Cooperatives Shahe Alam.
Earlier, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly said Saturday was the Prime Minister’s third working day in office and that he had issued several directives aimed at implementing election pledges.
A separate meeting, also chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, addressed plans to establish a cheerful and career-oriented education system, create employment opportunities, and expand sports infrastructure and training facilities. Ministers, state ministers and senior officials concerned were present.
Earlier, the Prime Minister began work at the PMO on Saturday for the first time after assuming office.
Though it was a public holiday, he went to the office at 10:10am, where Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon received him.
Before entering the main building, the prime minister exchanged greetings with officials and employees who had previously served during the tenure of former prime minister Khaleda Zia.
Witnesses said he called several long-serving staff members by name and spoke with them briefly, creating a cordial atmosphere at the office premises.
During the visit, the prime minister planted a sapling on the compound and offered special prayers. Defence Adviser Brig Gen (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam and other officials were present.
Later, the prime minister unveiled commemorative postage stamps marking Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day 2026.
