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.

The premier made the remarks at a greetings exchange event with leaders of the Protestant Church at his Cabinet Division office in the Bangladesh Secretariat here on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said 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 on the occasion of Easter Sunday.

During the meeting, he said, the Prime Minister wished success and prosperity for the Christian community.

The leaders of the Christian community invited the Prime Minister in advance to Christmas. Later, they presented him with a commemorative crest.

Greeting the Christian community on Easter Sunday, Tarique Rahman said, "We see people of all religions equally and love them in the same way. Religion belongs to individuals, but the country belongs to all. It is the responsibility of people of all religions to take the country forward".

Photo: PMO

The Prime Minister said, “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.”

Noting the condition of the country under the previous government, Tarique Rahman, also ruling BNP Chairman, said the country was in a fragile state when the BNP assumed office through the people’s verdict.

“The economic sector, the communication sector and several other sectors were in a fragile condition. It felt like we had taken responsibility for a war-ravaged country,” he said. 

The premier further said that due to the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, the Bangladesh has faced another crisis, particularly in the energy sector and highlighted the government’s efforts to tackle the fuel shortage situation triggered by the Middle East conflict.

Earlier, Bangladesh Bible Society General Secretary Rev Ashim Baroi, and retired Wing Commander Christopher M Adhikari of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh spoke at the event on behalf of the Christian community.

The Christian community leaders praised various welfare initiatives taken by the BNP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, including family card, waiver of loans up to Taka 10,000 for farmers, and honorarium allowances for imams, muezzins, khadems, priests, sebaits, heads of Buddhist monasteries and Christian pastors.

The leaders also raised demands for representation of Christians in the reserved seats for women in Parliament and declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday. 

They expressed commitment to cooperate and work as partners with the government led by Tarique Rahman.

Paying tribute to late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the Christian leaders said prayers were held for her in 7,000 churches and that prayers are now being offered daily for the current government.

The Prime Minister assured that the demands of the Christian community would be considered.