Dhaka, May 1 (V7N) — Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will embark on a daylong tour of Sylhet tomorrow, marking his first official visit to the region since assuming office earlier this year. The trip will feature a series of inaugurations, civic engagements, and cultural events, underscoring the government’s commitment to development and grassroots outreach.

According to the official schedule, the Prime Minister will arrive in Sylhet by air at 10:00 am. His first stop will be the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal (RA), one of the most revered spiritual figures in Bangladesh. Offering prayers at the shrine reflects both tradition and respect for Sylhet’s cultural heritage, setting a solemn tone for the day’s engagements.

Following the shrine visit, Rahman will attend a foundation laying ceremony for a major project undertaken by Sylhet City Corporation to resolve chronic waterlogging in the city. The event will be held at Chandni Ghat, adjacent to Sylhet Circuit House.  

Waterlogging has long been a pressing issue in Sylhet, disrupting daily life and economic activity during monsoon seasons. The new project aims to modernize drainage systems and improve urban resilience. By personally inaugurating the initiative, the Prime Minister signals the government’s determination to address longstanding urban challenges.

Rahman is scheduled to address a civic rally at the venue, where he is expected to highlight the government’s broader urban development agenda and emphasize citizen participation in maintaining civic infrastructure.

Later in the day, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the re-excavation programme of the Baisha River in Kashipur Union under Sylhet Sadar Upazila. The project is part of a wider effort to restore rivers and waterways across Bangladesh, enhancing irrigation, reducing flood risks, and supporting local agriculture.  

River re-excavation has been a priority in recent years, as siltation and encroachment have reduced water flow in many regions. By reviving the Baisha River, the government aims to boost agricultural productivity and improve livelihoods in Sylhet’s rural communities.

In the afternoon, Rahman will inaugurate Notun Kuri Sports-2026 at Sylhet District Stadium. Organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the programme seeks to identify and nurture young sporting talents aged 12–14 from across the country.  

The initiative builds on the legacy of the original Notun Kuri cultural programme, which fostered children’s talents in arts and education. Extending this model to sports reflects the government’s vision of professionalizing athletics and creating pathways for youth to pursue sports as a dignified career.  

Rahman has previously emphasized that sports play a vital role in nation-building, instilling discipline, leadership, and team spirit while protecting youth from social ills such as drug abuse and excessive dependence on digital devices. The Sylhet launch is expected to draw significant public attention and participation.

The Prime Minister’s final engagement will be a meeting at the Shilpakala Academy in Sylhet. The session is expected to focus on cultural development, community engagement, and the role of arts in fostering social cohesion. Sylhet, known for its rich cultural traditions, provides a fitting backdrop for discussions on preserving heritage while promoting modern creative industries.

Rahman is scheduled to return to Dhaka in the evening, concluding a packed day of activities that span spiritual, civic, environmental, sporting, and cultural dimensions.

This visit carries symbolic and practical importance. It is Rahman’s first trip to Sylhet since becoming Prime Minister, following his election campaign stop in January. By combining spiritual observance with development inaugurations, the tour reflects his government’s holistic approach to governance — blending respect for tradition with forward-looking policies.  

The projects he will inaugurate address key local concerns: waterlogging in urban areas, river management in rural communities, and youth development through sports. Together, they represent a comprehensive vision for Sylhet’s future.

The Sylhet tour also fits into the government’s broader agenda of regional development. By decentralizing initiatives and ensuring that projects are launched outside Dhaka, Rahman underscores his commitment to inclusive growth.  

The Notun Kuri Sports programme, in particular, highlights the government’s focus on youth empowerment. With state-sponsored scholarships and training facilities already in place, the initiative aims to create a pipeline of talent that can represent Bangladesh internationally.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s daylong visit to Sylhet tomorrow is set to be a multifaceted engagement, combining spiritual reverence, civic development, environmental restoration, youth empowerment, and cultural promotion. From laying the foundation for drainage improvements to launching a nationwide sports talent hunt, the tour reflects his government’s priorities and vision for a progressive Bangladesh.  

As Sylhet prepares to welcome the Prime Minister, the visit is expected to energize local communities and reinforce the message that national development begins at the grassroots.

END/AJ/RH