Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Saturday pledged to construct a peaceful and secure Bangladesh through the collective efforts of its citizens, while issuing a firm warning against any attempts to foster religious or social division.

Addressing an audience at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium during the inauguration of a pilot programme to provide monthly honorariums to religious leaders, the Prime Minister emphasized the country’s historic tradition of harmony.

"Today people of all religions are sitting together in one row here. This has been a long-standing tradition of Bangladesh. No one should be allowed to create division among us. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians—we will all work together, Inshallah, to build a peaceful Bangladesh," he said.

Highlighting that people of all faiths have always coexisted peacefully in the country, the Prime Minister articulated his vision for the nation, stating, "We want to build a safe state and a secure society for everyone—something that people from all classes and professions desire."

Tarique Rahman noted that religious leaders possess a crucial role in promoting moral, social, and religious values, as he believes every faith carries positive messages essential for a morally enriched society.

"Once again, through today’s programme, we take an oath to build our beloved Bangladesh into a country where people of every religion and every profession can live in peace. Together, we will build this country. Let this be our oath and our expectation," he added.

Providing details on the government’s new initiative, the Prime Minister confirmed that the programme has reached its first phase under the pilot scheme.

Currently, 4,908 mosques, 990 temples, and 144 Buddhist monasteries are covered, providing monthly honorariums to 16,992 religious leaders.

He assured those in attendance that the government intends to gradually expand the programme to include all religious institutions across the country.

The Prime Minister explained that the primary objective of these economic initiatives is to empower citizens to become financially self-reliant.

In a humble appeal to the gathered religious leaders, he stated that if they wish to engage in additional economic or social activities alongside their duties at their respective places of worship, the government is fully prepared to provide the necessary support for those initiatives.

Addressing the broader scope of his administration's goals, Tarique Rahman promised that the government would make every effort, within the state’s capacity, to ensure financial and social security for every citizen regardless of their religion or background.

However, he also reminded those present that citizens share a reciprocal responsibility toward the nation and society.

"If each of us performs our duties properly from our respective positions, I hope that within the next 10 years we will see a politically and economically self-reliant Bangladesh, Inshallah," he concluded.