B Mirror Report: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for united efforts to build a happy and prosperous “Better Bangladesh,” urging people of all faiths to work together for national development.
“Let us unite from our respective positions to build a better Bangladesh. Regardless of religion and caste, everyone must come forward,” he said while exchanging greetings with leaders of the Protestant Church at his Cabinet Division office in the Secretariat on the occasion of Easter Sunday.
A 13-member delegation, led by Bishop Philip P. Adhikari, President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh, met the Prime Minister and exchanged views with him. During the meeting, the premier wished success and prosperity for the Christian community.
Extending Easter greetings, Tarique Rahman said all religions are viewed equally, adding, “Religion belongs to individuals, but the country belongs to all. People of all faiths must work together to take the nation forward.”
The Christian leaders invited the Prime Minister to attend Christmas celebrations and later presented him with a commemorative crest.
Referring to recent political perceptions, the Prime Minister said the notion that minority communities do not support BNP was proven wrong in the last election, as people of all religions voted for the party.
Highlighting the challenges inherited by his government, he said Bangladesh was in a fragile state across sectors including the economy and communications when BNP assumed office. He also pointed to the impact of global tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which have created additional pressure on the country’s energy sector.
The Prime Minister said the government is working to address the fuel crisis and ensure energy stability.
Leaders of the Christian community appreciated various welfare initiatives undertaken by the government, including family cards, loan waivers for small farmers, and allowances for religious leaders of different faiths.
They also placed demands for representation of Christians in reserved seats for women in Parliament and the declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday, expressing willingness to work in partnership with the government.
The Prime Minister assured that their demands would be considered.
