State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has urged leaders of puja committees to bring local problems directly to his attention.

He made the call while visiting several Durga Puja mandaps in Mohammadpur, Shyamoli and Agargaon areas of the capital on Tuesday.

During the visits, Bobby Hajjaj, also Dhaka-13 MP, shared the festive spirit of Sharadiya Durga Puja with members of the Hindu community and distributed gifts among those organising the celebrations on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Bobby Hajjaj expressed his pleasure at having the opportunity to share the joy of religious festivals with people from different communities.

He said he was committed to addressing local residents’ concerns and ensuring their well-being as an elected representative.

When members of the temple committees raised concerns over gas supply problems in their areas, he said Titas Gas authorities were working to identify and repair leaks in gas pipelines.

He said inspections and repair work had been carried out in the areas several times and assured them that further efforts would be made to find a lasting solution to the problems.

The state minister said religious institutions were not only places of worship but also important centres for promoting morality, humanity and core values.

He stressed the need to pass these values on to younger generations, saying children and young people should receive a proper education, develop strong moral principles and learn to take responsibility for others.

A united and prosperous Bangladesh could be built if people fulfilled their responsibilities towards their neighbours and society, he said.

Bobby Hajjaj also said the government was working to improve the quality of primary education and promote moral and human values among children.

He noted that religious and social institutions could play an important role in these efforts.

He called on all to contribute to building a “new Bangladesh” based on mutual respect, harmony and cooperation.