Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for united efforts to build a happy, prosperous “Better Bangladesh”. “Let’s all work from our respective positions and unite to build a better Bangladesh. Regardless of religion and caste, everyone must come forward to build the country,” he said.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the premier made these remarks at a greetings exchange event with leaders of the Protestant Church at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat on the occasion of Easter Sunday. Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman noted that a 13-member delegation, led by President of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh Bishop Philip P Adhikari, met the Prime Minister and exchanged views with him.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister wished success and prosperity for the Christian community. The leaders of the Christian community extended an invitation to the Prime Minister for Christmas and presented him with a commemorative crest. Rahman expressed that all religions are viewed equally and emphasized the collective responsibility to advance the nation.
The Prime Minister also addressed misconceptions regarding religious voting patterns, stating, “There was a perception that people of other religions do not vote for BNP. In the last election, this has been proven wrong. People of all religions voted for BNP and ensured victory.”
Rahman, who also serves as the ruling BNP Chairman, discussed the fragile state of the nation inherited from the previous government, particularly highlighting challenges in the economic and communication sectors. He pointed out the additional crisis Bangladesh faces in the energy sector due to conflicts involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, and highlighted the government’s efforts to address the fuel shortage resulting from the Middle East conflict.
Earlier, Bangladesh Bible Society General Secretary Rev Ashim Baroi and retired Wing Commander Christopher M Adhikari spoke on behalf of the Christian community, praising welfare initiatives by the BNP government. These include family cards, loan waivers for farmers, and honorarium allowances for religious leaders.
The Christian leaders also advocated for representation of Christians in the reserved seats for women in Parliament and the declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday. They pledged to cooperate with the government led by Tarique Rahman.
The Prime Minister assured that the Christian community’s demands would be considered, while the leaders paid tribute to late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, noting that prayers were held for her in 7,000 churches and continue for the current government.