In a resolute commitment to establishing a prosperous and equity-driven nation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday affirmed that his administration is dedicated to safeguarding equal rights and possibilities for every community, specifically emphasizing ethnic minority groups.

The premier articulated these perspectives throughout a formal discussion held with delegates representing various ethnic minority backgrounds at the Secretariat's Cabinet Division conference room, according to the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary, Suzauddhowla (Suzon Mahmood).

Characterizing these minority populations as an intrinsic and fundamental segment of the nation, the Prime Minister underscored his administration's devotion to crafting a society entirely free from marginalization.

"My government and I are working to build a discrimination-free Bangladesh. We want to move forward together with everyone in building the Bangladesh that the people aspire to. We do not consider anyone to be separate. No one will be left behind in building new Bangladesh,” the Deputy Press Secretary quoted Tarique Rahman as saying.

During the dialogue, the community leaders submitted a comprehensive list of demands to the Prime Minister.

Their appeals focused on instituting a dedicated land commission to arbitrate ownership disputes affecting plains-dwelling ethnic groups, organizing a national convention tailored for marginalized ethnic groups, and legally recognizing these populations by their distinct tribal titles rather than labeling them under the umbrella term "ethnic minorities".

Additionally, they sought formal constitutional status as indigenous peoples, the creation of a centralized cultural institution, an immediate halt to the displacement of ethnic populations for industrial development or protected forest reserves, and the introduction of simplified credit and loan systems.

Addressing these specific grievances, the Prime Minister explained that the country is currently traversing a remarkably turbulent phase.

"The fascist government destroyed the country's institutions and economy. About USD 16 billion was siphoned off abroad every year. Had that money not been laundered, many of your problems could have been resolved," he stated.

Tarique Rahman assured the delegation that the state is actively working to untangle these complications through a structured, phased methodology, placing immediate emphasis on grievances that can be rectified without delay.

He further underscored the critical requirement for cohesive national solidarity.

"The struggle before us is much bigger. To overcome it, everyone must remain united, work together and move forward together. We have to think about how we can build a better future," the Prime Minister told the meeting.

Reflecting on the widespread structural deficiencies inherited by his government, he admitted his astonishment at the sheer volume of unresolved, deeply entrenched grievances. "These issues should have been addressed over the past 17 years. Had they been dealt with then, many of today's problems would not exist," he remarked.

The Prime Minister observed that while citizens were consistently fed narratives of national advancement by the preceding regime, the current leadership is now left to shoulder the fallout of protracted institutional decay while simultaneously bearing the weight of immense public anticipation.

He added that they are aggressively working to reverse this decline and orchestrate a national revival.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the previous administration had inflicted severe damage upon both the educational infrastructure and the healthcare system, while shining a light on his own cabinet’s remedial strategies.

He brought to mind that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman originally pioneered the upazila health complex initiative by rolling out 31-bed facilities, which BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia subsequently expanded into 50-bed hospitals.

"Now we have decided to upgrade them to 101 beds," he announced.

Tarique Rahman went on to denounce the union-level community clinics set up by the ousted government, pointing out that a significant portion of them are currently non-functional.

He also drew attention to the financial blueprint for the 2026-27 fiscal year, noting that the national budget has expanded financial allocations for healthcare and minimized customs duties on critical medical apparatus, such as cardiac stents and kidney dialysis equipment.

The high-profile meeting saw the attendance of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, alongside the Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar.

Also present were Anna Minj, MP, prominent cultural activist Sanjib Drong, and various representatives hailing from 18 distinct ethnic communities scattered across 17 districts.