Govt committed to equal rights, opportunities for all citizens: Ziauddin Hyder

SM Ziauddin Hyder, the prime minister’s special assistant for health affairs, has said the government is committed to ensuring equal rights, dignity and economic opportunities for every citizen, irrespective of religion or ethnicity.

He stressed the need to take the benefits of development to every household, particularly those belonging to marginalised communities.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of a two-day traditional folk cultural festival of the Matua community in Alokpur and Egarokhan villages of Narail on Saturday (7 November).

The festival was held on 6 and 7 November at the initiative of the local Matua community, with support from the Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation.

Ziauddin Hyder said Bangladesh's rich folk culture and heritage should not only be preserved but also transformed into economic assets.

Rural fairs, boat races, folk music, traditional theatre and handicrafts offered significant opportunities to generate employment and strengthen local economies, he said.

He stressed the need to involve women, young people, artists, artisans and small entrepreneurs in such initiatives, adding that linking cultural heritage with tourism could create new income and employment opportunities for rural communities.

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Referring to the Matua community, he said no one should be deprived of development opportunities because of their religion, ethnicity or social identity. The education, healthcare, employment and cultural rights of disadvantaged groups must be ensured, he added.

He said the government's development plans prioritised healthcare, quality education, environmental protection and skills development for young people.

The true measure of development, he added, was the extent to which it brought positive changes to the lives of the most disadvantaged people.

The two-day festival featured a rural fair, boat races involving Matua women, traditional rowing songs, folk dances, music and theatrical performances.

Narail MPs Md Jahangir, Habiba Mahmuda, Arli and Farhana Haque attended the programme as special guests. Local Matua community leader and social worker Banani Biswas was also present.