BNP Govt pledges religious harmony, merit-based administration

The BNP government is committed to religious harmony and a merit-based administration, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration Ismail Zabiullah has said.

He made the remarks while visiting Durga Puja mandaps in Lakshmipur Sadar, Kamalnagar and Ramgati on Tuesday, extending greetings to the Hindu community.

Zabiullah, also a BNP Standing Committee member, said merit and competence were being prioritised in public administration, regardless of religious identity. He added that the government was providing monthly honorariums and festival allowances to religious personnel from different faiths, with plans to bring all places of worship under the programme within four years.

Speaking at a gathering in Kamalnagar, he said differences of opinion were natural in a democracy, but people must remain united on national sovereignty and broader interests.

He also inspected the proposed site of a Tk 75-crore technical training centre in Ramgati, saying it would help local youths develop skills and improve employment opportunities at home and abroad.

At a health centre in Kamalnagar, he said the government aimed to gradually raise health-sector allocations to 5% of GDP and upgrade upazila health complexes to 150 beds.

The adviser also planted trees at the Lakshmipur Circuit House and the Kamalnagar and Ramgati upazila administration offices.

Local administration officials, police representatives, BNP leaders and Puja celebration committee members attended the programmes.

-AJM