Sylhet:Commerce, Industries, Textiles, and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir emphasized the importance of maintaining Bangladesh's tradition of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Muktadir, speaking as the chief guest at a view exchange meeting and grant distribution program for the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja at Sylhet City Corporation, highlighted religious harmony as a unique asset of Bangladesh that surpasses even many large democratic countries.
During the event, Muktadir distributed grants of Taka 40,000 each to representatives of 85 Durga Puja mandaps, totaling Taka 34 lakh. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring that religious festivals are celebrated peacefully and without hindrance, promising collaboration with relevant parties to develop religious institutions.
The minister shared his experiences of visiting mosques, temples, and other religious sites, noting the efforts by the Sylhet City Corporation (SCC) administrator to address infrastructure issues at these locations. Muktadir expressed gratitude to the city corporation for their financial assistance to the Durga Puja mandaps.
Discussing development projects in the city, Muktadir mentioned that around 550 kilometers of roads had been developed out of approximately 800 kilometers across the city's 42 wards, with tenders invited for the remaining roads. He also mentioned plans for a new bridge over the Surma River and housing initiatives for the Harijan community.
To tackle the city's shortage of safe drinking water, the government has launched a significant project to treat water from the Chengerkhal for distribution to residents.
SCC Administrator Abdul Qayyum Chowdhury assured that the city corporation, district administration, and police were working diligently to ensure a peaceful Durga Puja celebration, urging Puja mandaps and temple committees to seek assistance when needed.
The program also featured speeches from SCC Chief Executive Officer Mohammad Rezai Rafin Sarker, Sylhet Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sarwar Murshed Shamim, Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, and other notable figures.