Govt to ensure minority rights, CHT peace treaty: PM
Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would repeal all laws and rules discriminatory to minority communities, including indigenous people, as it believes in freedom of all religious faiths and equal opportunities for all.
She spoke about her government's stand on free practice of all religions, democratic governance and an equal opportunity social milieu while talking to Vice-Admiral of French Navy and Commander of the Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean region Gerard Valin when he called on her at the Prime Minister's Office.
Hasina categorically said the government would ensure protection of freedom of all religions and the minority groups' freedom of expression in the country.
"The present government believes in peace and prosperity of the mass people, freedom of all religions and equal rights of people of all walks of life."
As the current situation of Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) came up for discussion, the premier said the present government is pledge-bound to fully implement the CHT peace treaty, signed during her previous tenure as the head of government.
She observed that the last Awami League (AL) government had been successful in restoring peace in the hill districts through political way, putting an end to a conflict situation in the region.
PM laid emphasis on uninterrupted flow of democracy as she said it is proven globally that "without democracy a nation cannot attain development."
As Hasina and Gerard discussed cooperation in combating terrorism, the visiting naval commander praised the PM's proposal for forming antiterrorism taskforce on the regional plane.
Hasina was also hailed for her prudence and wisdom in tackling the BDR carnage peacefully and quickly.
Gerard mentioned the good relations between the armed forces of Bangladesh and France.
He congratulated Hasina on the AL-led grand alliance's landslide victory at the December 29 polls and on her assumption of the office of prime minister.
PM's Office Secretary Mollah Waheeduzzaman, Military Secretary Brig Gen Md. Salahuddin Miaji, Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and former ambassador Ziauddin were present during the meeting.
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