Prime Minister Tarique Rahman here on Tuesday launched a 12 crore taka incentive programme for 38,970 sugarcane farmers.

He launched the programme by pressing a button on a digital device at a public rally at the historic Madrasah Ground, also known as Haji Muhammad Mohsin Government High School Ground, in Rajshahi.

At the programme, the Prime Minister handed over cheques to 15 sugarcane farmers.

Tarique Rahman reached the rally venue at 3:25pm, where BNP leaders, activists and supporters welcomed him.

Those present included BNP acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Land Minister Mizanur Rahman Minu, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, BNP Special Secretary Belayet Hossain Mridha, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice-Chairman and MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibly and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

Rajshahi-3 MP Mohammad Shofiqul Haque Milon, Rajshahi-5 MP Prof Nazrul Islam, Rajshahi-6 MP Md Abu Sayed Chad and reserved-seat MP Mahmuda Habiba also attended the programme, among others.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived at Shah Makhdum Airport in Rajshahi by military aircraft at 2:55pm. On his way from the airport to the rally venue, thousands of people stood along both sides of the road to greet him. He waved to them from inside his bus in response.

After the rally, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit the puja mandap at Dharmasabha Temple in Rajshahi, where he is expected to exchange greetings with members of the Hindu community and attend a view-exchange meeting on the occasion of Durga Puja.

He is scheduled to leave for Chattogram after completing his programmes in Rajshahi.

Earlier, Tarique Rahman arrived in Rangpur from Dhaka on a military aircraft, which landed at Saidpur Airport in Nilphamari.

On his way from Saidpur to Rangpur, he attended two roadside rallies at Taraganj and Paglapir before visiting the puja mandap at Radha Gobinda Temple in Rangpur.