“Uncle, are you observing the fast?"

A lighthearted exchange between children and newly appointed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has flooded the country’s social media platform Facebook, as users share and enjoy a viral video capturing the moment. Whether planned or spontaneous, the scene has been widely appreciated by netizens and quickly gained viral attention.

The video was recorded on Friday, February 27, after Jumu’ah prayers in front of the Navy Headquarters Mosque in the capital.

In the footage, the Prime Minister is seen attending Jumu’ah prayers in ordinary attire. Outside the Navy Headquarters Mosque, the atmosphere was notably different—free from protocol or formality. Instead, the head of government warmly mingled with children in an affectionate and relaxed manner.

As he exited the mosque after prayers, he was met by a group of curious young faces.

Upon spotting the Prime Minister in the mosque courtyard, a group of children and adolescents surrounded him. Their faces reflected amazement and joy. At one point, a brave child asked, “Uncle, are you observing the fast? How many fasts have you kept?” The innocent question prompted a gentle smile from the Prime Minister.

With warmth, he replied, “Yes, I have observed all the fasts.” Hearing his response, the children eagerly began sharing their own fasting stories. One by one, they declared how many fasts they had observed. One child proudly claimed that he had kept all the fasts.

However, his friends quickly interjected, saying in unison, “No, no, he ate this morning—he is not fasting today!” Their candid remark left the child slightly embarrassed, but Tarique Rahman responded with a smile. Drawing the child closer, he affectionately patted his head and asked how many fasts he had truly observed. In a shy voice, the child admitted, “I kept all of them except today’s fast.”

The Prime Minister appeared delighted by the children’s simplicity and their efforts to observe fasting. He praised their religious devotion and offered prayers for each child, placing his hand gently on their heads. The children were visibly overjoyed to be so close to the country’s leader and to speak with him so freely.

Sharing the video on social media, netizens commented that the Prime Minister’s natural and humane interaction with ordinary people, especially children, is truly commendable.

DBTech/FBP/MUM/OR