Leaders of the Hindu community paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at his office at secretariat on Thursday.

“Leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee met the Prime Minister and discussed various issues,” said PM’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.

The Hindu community leaders included Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar, General Secretary Santosh Sharma, Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb and General Secretary Tapash Chandra Paul as well as Advocate Subrata Chowdhury and Tapan Majumdar.

Local Government Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Adviser to the BNP Chairman’s Advisory Council Bijon Kanti Sarkar, among others, were present at the meeting.

Talking to reporters after the meeting, Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb said they had discussed various problems with the Prime Minister.

“He (PM) listened to our concerns and assured us that the issues would be addressed gradually,” he said.

Jayanta said they also informed the Prime Minister about incidents of harassment and deprivation faced by members of the community after August 5, 2024 including cases of job losses.

“We also raised issues such as the formation of a Minority Commission, enactment of a Minority Protection Law, establishment of a Hindu Foundation, and matters related to Debottor (Endowed) Property Act,” he added.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Santosh Sharma said they discussed their various problems with the Prime Minister. “He listened to us and assured that appropriate steps would be taken to address them gradually.