Last Updated on April 5, 2026 6:39 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Sunday called for stronger interfaith cooperation, urging citizens of all religions to work together to build a “better Bangladesh”. “We see people of all religions equally and love everyone in the same way. We believe religion belongs to individuals, but the country belongs to all,” he said at a goodwill reception held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat on the occasion of Easter Sunday.
“Let us all work together, people of all faiths united, to build the country. Regardless of religion or caste, everyone must work together to build a happy, prosperous Better Bangladesh,” he added.
According to Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman, a 13-member delegation from the Christian community, led by Philip P Adhikary of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh, met the premier to exchange greetings.
Referring to the February 12 parliamentary elections, Rahman said the outcome dispelled a long-held perception about minority voting patterns. “There was a common perception that people of other religions do not vote for the BNP. This election has proved that idea wrong,” he said. “People from all sections voted for the BNP and brought it to victory.”
The prime minister also described the difficult situation his government inherited after assuming office. “The economy was fragile, the communications sector was in disrepair, and similar conditions prevailed in different sectors. It felt as though we had taken charge of a war-ravaged country,” he said. He further noted that the government is working to address an energy crisis linked to the Israel–Iran conflict.
Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, Reverend Ashim Baroi, general secretary of the Bangladesh Bible Society, and Wing Commander (retd) Christopher M Adhikari highlighted benefits from various government programmes, including welfare schemes, the family card initiative, farm loan waivers of up to Tk10,000 with interest, and honorariums for religious leaders across faiths.
They also raised several demands, including reserved seats in Parliament for Christian women and declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday. The community leaders pledged support for the government and expressed willingness to work as partners in development.
In response, Tarique assured that the demands would be considered. At the end of the meeting, representatives of the Christian community presented a commemorative crest to the prime minister.