President for ensuring ethnic minorities’ rights

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for collective efforts to ensure the development, rights and dignity of people belonging to all ethnic minority communities in the country.

President’s Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed reporters after the meeting.

The delegation apprised the President of various problems faced by ethnic minority communities.

The President said the government is sincerely working to resolve the problems of ethnic minority people living in both the hills and plains. He also urged community members to take greater initiatives to protect their rights and promote their development, stressing greater unity and mutual cooperation.

“You take one step forward, and I will take two steps forward,” he said, underscoring the need to identify the problems and potential of ethnic minority communities and undertake realistic projects accordingly.

On land-related problems, the President urged community members to remain aware and united, maintain communication with the local administration and take initiatives to resolve their problems.

Referring to the cutting of betel nut trees at a Khasia punji in Kulaura of Moulvibazar, he said the incident was deeply deplorable. He assured the delegation that it would be investigated impartially and action would be taken against those responsible.

The President also stressed ensuring educational opportunities and quality education for children and adolescents from ethnic minority communities, as well as promoting their cultural and social activities.
He expressed a positive view about a proposed cultural programme at Bangabhaban next Pahela Baishakh, with participation from representatives of ethnic minority communities.

Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Saching Prue Jerry, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarker, Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party central committee general secretary Shishir Dio, and leaders of its central and district committees were present.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary were also present. �"UNB