Hindu leaders meet PM, receive assurance on community concerns

Leaders of the Hindu community met Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his Secretariat office on Thursday to discuss issues affecting their community.

According to the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon, representatives from the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee attended the meeting to raise various concerns.

The delegation included Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar, General Secretary Santosh Sharma, Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb, its General Secretary Tapash Chandra Paul, Advocate Subrata Chowdhury and Tapan Majumdar.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, along with Adviser to the BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council Bijon Kanti Sarkar, were also present.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jayanta Kumar Deb said the Prime Minister listened attentively to their concerns and assured that the issues would be addressed gradually.

The delegation highlighted incidents of harassment and deprivation faced by community members since 5 August 2024, including cases of job losses.

They also raised matters related to the formation of a Minority Commission, enactment of a Minority Protection Law, establishment of a Hindu Foundation, and issues regarding the Debottor (Endowed) Property Act.

Santosh Sharma, general secretary of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, said that the Prime Minister had promised appropriate steps would be taken to resolve their concerns over time.