Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday launched the disbursement of Tk 12 crore in government incentives to 38,970 sugarcane farmers in the Rajshahi region to support cultivation.

He initiated the electronic transfer of the funds to farmers’ accounts by pressing a button on a computer during a rally at Haji Muhammad Mohsin Government High School ground, also known as the historic Madrasa Maidan, in Rajshahi city.

“Within a few minutes of pressing it, the government’s assistance for you, sugarcane farmers, will reach your accounts, Insha Allah,” the Prime Minister said.

He expressed hope that the financial assistance would help farmers expand sugarcane cultivation. He also handed over cheques to 15 farmers at the programme.

The rally was chaired by BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi and attended by thousands of party leaders, activists and supporters from different parts of the region, along with members of the Hindu community.

Among those present were BNP Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir, State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam, and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rehan Asif Asad.

Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at 3:25pm and was welcomed by BNP leaders and supporters.

Following the rally, the Prime Minister was scheduled to visit the Durga Puja mandap at Rajshahi Dharmasabha Temple to exchange greetings with members of the Hindu community. He was also scheduled to travel to Chattogram after completing his programmes in Rajshahi.