Prime Minister Tarek Rahman has reaffirmed that the government is working with utmost sincerity to protect equal rights, social security, and dignity for every citizen of Bangladesh, regardless of religion, caste, occupation, or community. He delivered these remarks during a special exchange meeting with senior representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist religious communities at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on Wednesday (October 7, 2026).
The Prime Minister emphasized that in a humanitarian, equitable, and inclusive Bangladesh, no citizen will face discrimination based on religious or social identity.
Commitment to an Inclusive Bangladesh: Prime Minister Tarek Rahman stated, “We want to build a humanitarian and inclusive Bangladesh where religion, caste, or social identity will never be an obstacle to securing one’s rights and opportunities. Guaranteeing the honor and safety of every citizen is our administration’s primary commitment.”
5-Day Continuous Government Holiday (Oct 20–24): Representatives of the Hindu community expressed sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister for extending the upcoming Durga Puja public holiday to 5 continuous days (October 20 to October 24).
Enhanced Financial Grants Disbursed: The Prime Minister handed over financial grant checks for religious festival celebrations. Overriding initial requests, the government allocated BDT 5 crore to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust (against a BDT 4 crore demand) and BDT 3 crore to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust (against a BDT 2 crore demand). Funds will be directly deposited into beneficiaries’ bank accounts via trusts and district administrations.
Formal Invitation to Puja Mandaps: Representatives extended a formal invitation to the Prime Minister to visit various Puja mandaps during Durga Puja. Prime Minister Rahman extended warm greetings to the Hindu community for Durga Puja and to the Buddhist community for the upcoming Kathin Chibar Dan.
High-Level Presence: The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the PM Bijon Kanti Sarkar, MP Nipun Roy Chowdhury, MP Suborna Thakur Shikder, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice-Chairman Tapan Chandra Majumder, General Secretary Devendra Nath Urao, Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, and BNP Associate Religious Affairs Secretary Amalendu Das Apu, among other dignitaries.
