Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday affirmed that safeguarding the rights and security of every citizen, regardless of their religious affiliation, remains his primary responsibility as head of government.

“I will try my best, within my capacity, to ensure everyone’s security, not on the basis of religion, but as human beings,” he declared.

The Prime Minister expressed these sentiments during an interactive dialogue with leaders of the Hindu community from the Dhaka-17 constituency at the Cabinet Division of the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Representatives from eight temples within the constituency convened with him to extend formal invitations to their Durga Puja celebrations.

The Hindu community representatives commended various government measures undertaken for their welfare since the BNP assumed office and expressed their gratitude to the Prime Minister for extending the Puja holiday and raising financial aid.

Responding to their observations, PM Tarique noted that the administration has enacted all possible measures during its brief period in office and continues to address remaining issues.

“This proves that we have good intentions,” he remarked.

Reflecting on the Liberation War and key democratic movements, the Prime Minister highlighted that individuals of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians, fought side by side in the 1971 war.

He added that citizens across all religious and ethnic backgrounds also actively participated in the 1990 mass uprising and the 2024 movement.

“When we did not consider religion at critical moments in the nation’s history, why should we consider it in other matters? We liberated the country together and took part together in the movement to establish democracy,” he said.

Citing the political persecution of activists across different faiths under what he termed the fascist Awami League regime, PM Tarique pointed out that Hindu activists endured repression alongside their Muslim counterparts.

“There was no distinction based on religion,” he stated.

The Prime Minister stated that he views his office as an opportunity to serve the public and committed to doing everything within his power to uphold their security, regardless of religious identity.

“As a citizen of this country and as a human being, you have your rights and entitlements. As head of government, I am trying to fulfil my duty,” he affirmed.

The Prime Minister reiterated his resolve to make every effort, driven by a sense of duty and accountability, to ensure that all citizens receive their rightful entitlements.

Throughout the session, Hindu community leaders stated that they have been living in peace since the national election without encountering any difficulties.

They added that the government's initiatives since assuming power have repeatedly affirmed that members of the Hindu community made the right choice by casting their votes for the BNP, pledging their ongoing support and cooperation.

The meeting was attended by BNP Executive Committee member Ramesh Dutta, Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation President Alok Saha, Baridhara DOHS Puja Committee President Jiban Kanai Das, British Chandra Karmakar, Narayan Chandra Saha, Pradip Chandra Das, Shikha Rani Das, Shyamal Kumar Das, and Rajib Kumar Acharya, among others.

Abdur Rahman Sani, representing Dhaka-17 MP Tarique Rahman, alongside Banani Society Treasurer Shafiquzzaman Ratan, were also present.