Govt working for welfare of all citizens regardless of religion, identity: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Wednesday that the government is working for the welfare of every citizen regardless of religion, caste, class, profession or community.

“We want to build a Bangladesh where religion, caste or identity will not stand in the way of anyone’s rights and opportunities. Ensuring equal rights and dignity for every citizen is our goal,” he said.

The prime minister made the remarks at an exchange of views with representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities at the Prime Minister’s Office at the Secretariat in Dhaka.

At the meeting, representatives of the Hindu community thanked the prime minister for extending the government holiday for Durga Puja, saying the decision had added to the festive spirit among Hindus.

Representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities also raised various problems, needs and demands with the prime minister.

Tarique Rahman heard them attentively and said the government was sincerely working for the welfare of people from all communities.

“We will make our utmost efforts to do whatever is possible on behalf of the government. Your reasonable demands and problems will be considered with due importance,” he said.

Representatives of the Hindu community also invited the prime minister to visit different puja venues.

The prime minister 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 Chibar Dan. He also wished peace, prosperity and welfare for all citizens.

Representatives of both communities also extended greetings to the prime minister on the occasion of their religious festivals.

Later, the prime minister handed over cheques allocating Tk5 crore to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust for Durga Puja and Tk3 crore to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust for the Buddhist religious festival.

The government has declared a five-day holiday from 20 to 24 October on the occasion of Durga Puja.