
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday issued a powerful call for national unity, urging citizens of all faiths to work together in building a prosperous and inclusive "Better Bangladesh."
The Premier made these remarks while exchanging Easter Sunday greetings with a 13-member delegation from the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh at his Cabinet Division office in the Secretariat.
Addressing the religious leaders, the Prime Minister emphasized that while religion is a personal matter, the nation belongs to everyone.
He underscored the responsibility of every citizen, regardless of caste or creed, to contribute to the country’s progress.
Reflecting on the political landscape, he noted that the recent election results debunked the misconception that minority communities do not support the BNP, stating that people from all religious backgrounds united to deliver the party's victory.
The Prime Minister described the challenging state of the nation upon his administration taking office, comparing the fragile economy and communication sectors to those of a war-ravaged country.
He highlighted that current global tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have further strained Bangladesh's energy security, but reaffirmed the government’s proactive efforts to mitigate fuel shortages and stabilize the economy.
During the meeting, led by Bishop Philip P. Adhikari, the Christian community leaders praised the government’s welfare initiatives, such as the family card system, agricultural loan waivers, and honorarium allowances for religious leaders across all faiths.
The delegation presented the Prime Minister with a commemorative crest and extended an early invitation for Christmas celebrations.
They also placed formal requests for Christian representation in Parliament’s reserved seats for women and the declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday.
The delegation, which included Reverend Ashim Baroi and retired Wing Commander Christopher M. Adhikari, expressed their steadfast commitment to partnering with the government.
They also paid tribute to the late Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, noting that special prayers were held for her across 7,000 churches.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman concluded the session by wishing the Christian community success and prosperity, assuring them that their specific demands would be given due consideration by the state.



