Dhaka: BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing issues faced by small ethnic groups through dialogue and engagement: Speaking at a view-exchange meeting organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Communities Party at the BNP Chairman’s office in Gulshan, Mirza Fakhrul assured attendees of the government’s willingness to identify and resolve challenges faced by these communities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mirza Fakhrul highlighted the government’s consideration of forming a special fund to support entrepreneurs within small ethnic groups. He mentioned plans to discuss with the Prime Minister the possibility of creating a separate fund and providing loans at low interest or without collateral to facilitate development. The minister emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing employment, education, and training opportunities for small ethnic communities through various government departments.
Mirza Fakhrul reassured the communities that the government remains accessible for dialogue, encouraging them to share their concerns openly. He called for social harmony and unity, stressing the importance of building Bangladesh as an example of love and harmony amid global challenges. Plans for future cultural exhibitions and a large national gathering for small ethnic communities were also discussed to celebrate their culture and foster unity.
The minister urged the communities to maintain their unity and resist division, which he identified as a societal weakness. He invited written demands through respective Deputy Commissioners, promising prompt review and necessary actions, particularly in areas like Dinajpur.
Fakhrul also expressed optimism about increasing the representation of women from small ethnic communities, aiming to ensure their participation in reserved seats for women. Leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Communities Party attended the meeting, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the initiative.