Religion no barrier to rights, opportunities, says PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said his government is working for the welfare of every citizen, regardless of religion, race, class, profession or community.
“We want to build a Bangladesh where religion, race or identity will never become a barrier to anyone’s rights and opportunities. Ensuring equal rights and dignity for every citizen is our goal,” he said.
The prime minister made the remarks during an exchange of views with representatives from the Hindu and Buddhist communities at his office at the Secretariat on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Hindu community representatives thanked the prime minister for extending the public holiday for Durga Puja, saying the decision had added to the festive spirit among the Hindu community.
Representatives of both communities raised various problems, needs and demands with the prime minister.
Tarique listened to their concerns and assured them that the government would work sincerely for the welfare of people from all communities.
“We will try our best to do whatever is possible from the government’s side. Your reasonable demands and problems will be considered with due importance,” he said.
Hindu community representatives also invited the prime minister to visit various Durga Puja mandaps.
Tarique extended greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja and to members of the Buddhist community on the occasion of Kathin Chibor Dan.

He also wished peace, prosperity and wellbeing for all citizens of the country.
Representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities also conveyed their greetings to the prime minister on the occasions.
Later, the prime minister handed over cheques worth Tk5 crore to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust for Durga Puja and Tk3 crore to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust for Kathin Chibor Dan.
The Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had sought Tk4 crore for Durga Puja, while the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust had requested Tk2 crore for Kathin Chibor Dan. The prime minister increased both allocations by Tk1 crore each as a special consideration.
The funds will be distributed among beneficiaries through the Hindu and Buddhist Religious Welfare Trusts and district administrations. Beneficiaries will receive the allocations directly into their bank accounts.
The government has also declared a five-day holiday from 20 to 24 October on the occasion of Durga Puja.
Representatives of the two communities thanked the prime minister for increasing the allocations and expressed their gratitude to the government.
Senior officials of the Prime Minister’s Office, along with Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Dhaka district BNP General Secretary and MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, MP Subarna Thakur Shikdar, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice-Chairman Tapan Chandra Majumder, its Secretary-General Debendra Nath Oraon, Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, BNP Assistant Secretary For Religious Affairs Amalendu Das Apu and BNP National Executive Committee member Sushil Chandra Barua, among others, attended the meeting.

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