Desk Report:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stated that the government is working for the welfare of every citizen of the country, irrespective of religion, race, class, profession, or community.
He said, “We want to build a Bangladesh where religion, race, or identity will not stand as a barrier to people’s rights and opportunities. Our goal is to ensure equal rights and dignity for every citizen of the country.”
The Prime Minister made these remarks on Wednesday (October 7) during an exchange meeting with representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
At the meeting, representatives of the Hindu community expressed special gratitude to the Prime Minister for the decision to extend the government holiday for the autumnal Durga Puja. They noted that this government decision has further enhanced the festive joy among the country’s Hindu community.
During the exchange, representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities presented their various problems, needs, and legitimate demands to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister listened attentively to their statements and highlighted the government’s sincere efforts for the welfare of people from all communities.
The Prime Minister said, “We will strive to do the utmost that is possible on behalf of the government. Your legitimate demands and issues will be considered with due importance.”
Representatives of the Hindu community also invited the Prime Minister to visit various Puja mandaps.
Extending greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of the autumnal Durga Puja, the Prime Minister stated that the peace, prosperity, and welfare of all citizens remain a primary goal of the government. He also extended greetings to the Buddhist community on the occasion of Kathin Chibar Dan.
In turn, representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities also conveyed their greetings to the Prime Minister regarding their respective religious festivals.
Allocation of Tk 5 crore for Durga Puja and Tk 3 crore for Buddhist religious festivals
Following the exchange meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over cheques allocating Tk 5 crore to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust for the autumnal Durga Puja and Tk 3 crore to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust for the religious festivals of the Buddhist community. Earlier, the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had requested a grant of Tk 4 crore for Durga Puja. Giving the matter special consideration, the Prime Minister increased the amount and allocated Tk 5 crore.
Similarly, the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust had sought a grant of Tk 2 crore for the Buddhist community’s ‘Kathin Chibar Dan’ ceremony. The Prime Minister gave special consideration to this request as well, increasing the allocation to Tk 3 crore.
Additionally, the government has announced a five-day consecutive public holiday from October 20 to October 24 for Durga Puja.
The allocated government funds will be distributed to the respective beneficiaries through the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust, and the district administrations. Beneficiaries will be able to receive the allocated funds directly through their own bank accounts.
Representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities thanked the Prime Minister for increasing the allocation and expressed their gratitude to the government.
