Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the government is actively working for the welfare of every citizen in the country, regardless of religion, caste, profession, or community.

He made these remarks on Wednesday (October 7) during an exchange meeting with representatives of the Hindu and Buddhist communities at the Prime Minister's Office in the Secretariat.

"We want to build a Bangladesh where religion or identity will never act as a barrier to people's rights and opportunities," the Prime Minister said. "Our goal is to ensure equal rights and dignity for every citizen of the country."

During the meeting, representatives of the Hindu community expressed special gratitude to the Prime Minister for extending the government holiday for Sharadiya Durga Puja. They noted that this decision has significantly enhanced the festive joy within the Hindu community.

The community leaders also presented various challenges, needs, and demands to the Prime Minister, who listened attentively and assured them that the administration is sincerely working for the well-being of all communities.

"We will try our utmost to do whatever is possible from the government's side," he assured them. "Your logical demands and concerns will be considered with utmost importance."

The Hindu representatives invited the Prime Minister to visit various puja mandaps during the festival.

Extending his greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and to the Buddhist community for the Kathina Chivara Dan festival, the Prime Minister wished peace, prosperity, and welfare for all citizens. Representatives from both communities reciprocated with festival greetings.

Later, the Prime Minister handed over financial allocation checks of 50 million BDT (5 crore BDT) to the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust for Durga Puja and 30 million BDT (3 crore BDT) to the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust for their religious festival.

Notably, the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust had originally requested 40 million BDT (4 crore BDT), but the Prime Minister specially sanctioned 50 million BDT. Similarly, the Buddhist community had requested 20 million BDT (2 crore BDT) for Kathina Chivara Dan, which was increased to 30 million BDT upon special consideration.

Additionally, the government announced a continuous 5-day holiday from October 20 to 24 for Durga Puja.

The allocated funds will be distributed to beneficiaries through the respective religious welfare trusts and district administrations, allowing recipients to receive the funds directly via their bank accounts.

The community representatives expressed their gratitude and thanks to the Prime Minister for the increased financial allocations.

Senior officials of the Prime Minister's Office were present at the meeting alongside prominent figures, including Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Dhaka District BNP General Secretary and Member of Parliament Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Member of Parliament Miss Suborna Thakur Sikder, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice-President Tapan Chandra Majumdar, General Secretary Debendra Nath Oraon, Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, BNP Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Amalendu Das Apu, and BNP National Executive Committee Member Sushil Chandra Barua, among others.