Religion, identity must not stand in way of citizens’ rights: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (7 October) pledged to build a Bangladesh where religion, race or identity will not stand in the way of anyone’s rights and opportunities, with 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 at a view-exchange meeting with representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities at his office at the Secretariat, said his Deputy Press Secretary Shahadat Hossain Shadhin.

During the meeting, representatives of the Hindu community thanked the Prime Minister for extending the government holiday for Durga Puja, saying the decision has added to the festive joy of the Hindu community.

The representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities also raised various problems, needs and demands before the prime minister.

Tarique Rahman listened to their views and assured them that the government is 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 importance,” he said.

The Hindu community representatives invited the prime minister to visit different Durga Puja mandaps during five-day Durga Puja beginning on 17 October.

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 welfare for all citizens of the country.

The representatives of the two communities, in turn, extended greetings to the prime minister on the occasion of their respective religious festivals.

Tk8 crore allocated for religious festivals

Later, the prime minister handed over cheques – for 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 Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had sought Tk4 crore for Durga Puja, while the prime minister approved Tk5 crore as a special consideration.

Similarly, the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust had sought Tk2 crore for the Kathin Chibor Dan festival, but Tarique Rahman approved Tk 3crore, also as a special consideration.

The government has also declared a three-day holiday from October 20 to 22 on the occasion of Durga Puja, allowing a five-day holiday as October 23 and 24 are weekend.

The allocated funds will be distributed among the beneficiaries through the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and district administrations. The beneficiaries will be able to 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 gratitude to the government.