Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has affirmed that the government remains fully committed to ensuring equal rights, dignity, and maximum security for every citizen of Bangladesh, regardless of religious identity. He explicitly stated that secular constitutional citizenship is the fundamental pillar of the nation, and guaranteeing every individual’s institutional entitlements as a citizen is his primary responsibility as head of government.
He made these remarks during an interactive exchange with senior Hindu community leaders and temple delegation representatives from the Dhaka-17 constituency at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on Monday (October 12, 2026).
Securing Fundamental Rights and Safety: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated, “Almighty Allah has granted me an opportunity to serve the nation. I will strive from my personal and institutional position to ensure safety and rights within my authority—not through the lens of religion, but as human beings and equal citizens of this country.”
Shared Legacy of Historical Struggles: He recalled that his father, Ziaur Rahman, fought in the 1971 War of Liberation alongside citizens of all faiths—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian. Similarly, people across all religious backgrounds participated in the 1990 anti-autocracy movement and the historic 2024 mass uprising. He noted that since religion was never a barrier during national turning points, religious discrimination cannot be tolerated in any sphere of governance.
Anti-Fascist Resistance and Durga Puja Greetings: Reflecting on political persecution under the previous autocratic regime, the Prime Minister highlighted how both Muslim and Hindu activists were subjected to identical state oppression. During the meeting, representatives from eight major Puja mandaps in the Dhaka-17 constituency extended Durga Puja greetings and invitations to the Prime Minister, expressing deep gratitude for the government’s decisions to extend public holidays and increase financial grants for the festival.
