DHAKA, Mar 5, (V7N) – Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has decided not to join grand state iftar programmes this year considering the overall situation in the country.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said the premier will attend only two iftar mahfils at the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital. One will be hosted in honour of diplomats and the other for orphans, ulema and religious leaders.

According to the schedule, the first iftar will be held on March 6 (Friday) for members of the diplomatic corps, while the second will take place on March 7 for orphans, ulema-mashaekh and religious scholars. Both events will be arranged at the State Guest House Jamuna.

Ruman said previously scheduled iftar programmes for political leaders on March 8 and for journalists on March 10 at the same venue have been cancelled in view of the prevailing circumstances.

Traditionally, the Prime Minister hosts multiple state iftar gatherings each year for representatives of various professions and segments of society. However, since assuming office, Tarique Rahman has chosen to observe iftar privately with his family at his residence, and no large-scale state iftar events are being organized this year.

END/AJ/RH