No religious discrimination in Bangladesh: State Minister Putul

State Minister Farzana Sharmin Putul declares that, there is no discrimination among Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians, before stating that Durga Puja is a festival for all of Bangladesh.
"There is no distinction between Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians; we want everyone to be identified simply as Bangladeshis. This is a pledge we made to the people, and our government is moving forward with that goal in mind," said Barrister Farzana Sharmin Putul, Member of Parliament for the Natore-1 (Lalpur-Bagatipara) constituency and State Minister for Social Welfare, during an event held to mark the Sharadiya Durga Puja.

On Thursday (October 15) afternoon, a meeting of the Law and Order Committee, organized by the local administration, took place at the Bagatipara Upazila Parishad auditorium in Natore.

Following this, at the same venue, the administration distributed GR (General Relief) rice to Durga Puja mandaps (pavilions), provided battery-operated spray machines to farmers, handed out wheelchairs to individuals with disabilities, and distributed sports equipment to various educational institutions and clubs.

While speaking as the chief guest at the events, the State Minister remarked, "Durga Puja is a festival for the entire nation of Bangladesh. Even in the past, when we were not in government, we always sought to stand by everyone to help make the Puja a joyful occasion. This year, too, that commitment continues on behalf of the government. Beyond the government's plans, it is through our collective efforts that we must make this festival even more joyful."

During the event, a total of 18 metric tons of rice—allocated from the General Relief (GR) fund of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief—was distributed among 30 Durga Puja mandaps in the Upazila, with each mandap receiving 600 kilograms. Additionally, 30 battery-operated spray machines were provided to marginalized farmers, 10 wheelchairs were given to individuals with disabilities, and sports equipment was handed over to representatives from various educational institutions and clubs.

The event was presided over by the Bagatipara Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), Md. Shamsul Islam. Also present were Assistant Commissioner (Land) Israt Jahan Priya, Upazila Agriculture Officer Bhavasindhu Roy, former Upazila BNP Member-Secretary Hafizur Rahman, former Convener Mosharraf Hossain, and former Joint Convener Nekbor Hossain, alongside various government officials, political leaders, and local residents.

- MR/NS