Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday pledged to build a Bangladesh where religion, race or identity would never become a barrier to anyone’s rights and opportunities, ensuring equal rights and dignity for every citizen.
“We want to build a Bangladesh where religion, race or identity will not stand in the way of people’s rights and opportunities. Our goal is to ensure equal rights and dignity for every citizen of the country,” he said.
The Prime Minister made the remarks at a meeting with representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities at his office in the Secretariat, said his Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.
During the meeting, Hindu community representatives thanked the Prime Minister for extending the government holiday for Durga Puja, saying the decision had added to the festive spirit of the community.
Representatives of both the Hindu and Buddhist communities also placed various demands and highlighted their problems and needs before the Prime Minister.
Tarique Rahman heard their concerns and assured them that the government was committed to 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 importance,” he said.
The Hindu community representatives invited the Prime Minister to visit various Durga Puja mandaps during the five-day festival, which begins on October 17.
Tarique Rahman 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 well-being for all citizens of the country.
Representatives of the two communities, in turn, extended their greetings to the Prime Minister on the occasion of their respective religious festivals.
Tk 8 crore allocated for religious festivals
Later, the Prime Minister handed over cheques worth Tk 5 crore to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust for Durga Puja and Tk 3 crore to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust for the Kathin Chibor Dan festival.
The Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had sought Tk 4 crore for Durga Puja, but the Prime Minister approved Tk 5 crore as a special consideration.
Similarly, the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust had requested Tk 2 crore for the Kathin Chibor Dan festival, while Tk 3 crore was approved as a special consideration.
The government has also declared a three-day holiday from October 20 to 22 for Durga Puja. With October 23 and 24 falling on the weekend, devotees will enjoy a five-day holiday.
The allocated funds will be distributed among beneficiaries through the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and district administrations. Beneficiaries will receive the money directly through their bank accounts.
Representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities thanked the Prime Minister for increasing the allocations and expressed their appreciation to the government.
Sun News/ rabbi
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