Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today called for cooperation among people of all faiths 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.

“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.

The prime minister made the remarks at a greeting event held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Prime Minister’s Office in the Secretariat on the occasion of Easter Sunday, a major festival of the Christian community.

Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman said a delegation from the Christian community met the premier and exchanged greetings.

A 13-member delegation, led by Philip P Adhikary, president of the Federation of Protestant Churches in Bangladesh, attended the meeting.

Referring to the February 12 parliamentary election, Tarique said people from all faiths had voted for the BNP.

“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 said the government inherited a fragile situation 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 also mentioned ongoing efforts to address the energy crisis linked to the Israel-Iran conflict.

Speaking on behalf of the Christian community, Reverend Ashim Baroi and retired Wing Commander Christopher M Adhikari highlighted benefits from government programmes and praised the prime minister’s leadership.

They also placed several demands, including reserved seats in parliament for Christian women and declaration of Easter Sunday as a public holiday.

They pledged support for the government and expressed willingness to work as partners.

In response, the prime minister said the government would consider the demands raised by the community.

Later, members of the Christian community presented a crest to the prime minister marking the occasion.