Govt firm to establish secular society: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon the minority communities to work with sincerity, honesty and devotion for ensuring welfare of the people of all faiths living in the country.
She made the call when members of the reconstituted Buddha and Hindu religion Welfare Trusts met her at her office.
Hasina said the aim of her government is to establish a secular society where people of all caste and creed will freely perform their religious activities.
PM's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad briefed reporters after the meeting. He said both the delegations apprised the PM of their needs. The prime minister assured them of providing necessary support.
Referring to the trust funds given by the government, Hasina advised the trust management to raise the funds on their own initiatives so that they can utilise the money for their benefits.
About the Vested Property Act, she said the issue is now under the consideration of the parliamentary standing committee. The government needs a unanimous recommendation from the Hindu community to take an early decision.
The prime minister said her party believes that the country is owned by the people of all faiths that has taken steps to ensure equal rights to all communities in all affairs.
Recalling the brutal attacks, suppression and repression of the past BNP-Jamaat government on the minority communities, Hasina said the present government is relentlessly working to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
State Minister for Religious Affairs Shahjahan Miah and senior officials were present at the meeting.