President for building harmonious Bangladesh based on equality

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for working together to ensure the rights and dignity of people of all communities, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and ethnic minorities, in Bangladesh.

“Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Muslims and people of all religions and communities live together in Bangladesh and all have equal rights. A harmonious Bangladesh must be built by ensuring equal rights, dignity and opportunities for all,” he said.

The president made the call when a delegation of the Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban on Monday afternoon, said a press release.

The president said he is aware of the various problems, sufferings and expectations of ethnic minority, Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities.

“Everyone must work collectively to overcome the crises created by the previous government and move the country forward on the right path,” he said.

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At the meeting, he recalled the important participation and cooperation of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities in the previous national election.

Referring to the nomination of more candidates from the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities for reserved women’s seats in the parliament, the president said, “The government is firmly committed to ensuring equal participation of people from all communities in the country’s development and progress.”

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called for forming a national committee comprising representatives of the Hindu, Buddhist and Christian communities, saying, “Such a committee could play an effective role in properly raising various issues in coordination with the government.”

“Representation and participation of everyone must be ensured in the development of the country,” he added.

During the meeting, the delegation invited the president to visit the puja mandaps at Dhakeshwari and Ramna Kali temples during the upcoming Durga Puja.

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir accepted the invitation and assured them of his presence.

When the delegation raised various demands before the president, he assured them that the issues raised would be considered with due importance.

The delegation included Minister Saching Prue Jeri, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant and Chairman of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Foundation Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Adviser to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Tapan Chandra Majumder, Religious Affairs Joint Secretary and BNP National Executive Committee member John Gomez and BNP National Executive Committee member and Adviser to the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front Sushil Baruya.

The president’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary were present.