President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called for collective efforts to ensure the rights and dignity of the Christian community and build an inclusive Bangladesh.

“We do not want division and communalism in the name of religion. We never want authoritarianism and fascism to return,” he said, calling for a social movement to this end.

The President made the remarks when a 25-member delegation, led by Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dhaka Subrata B Gomes, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban in the afternoon.

He said Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens and everyone is equal here. “It is very important to ensure that no citizen is deprived or discriminated against because of their religious identity,” he said.

During the meeting, the delegation briefed the President on various issues concerning the Christian community and sought his cooperation in addressing them.

Mirza Fakhrul said the Christian community has long been making important contributions to Bangladesh in various fields, including education, healthcare and social services.

Institutions such as Holy Cross, St Gregory’s, St Joseph’s and Notre Dame have been playing an important role in education and human resource development in the country, he said.

The President urged community leaders to take a more proactive role in raising their legitimate concerns relating to the management of institutions, land and other assets.

He assured them of his support in resolving the problems.

Mirza Fakhrul said all must work together to uphold Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of mutual empathy and communal harmony.

At the same time, he stressed the need for initiatives to preserve the distinct languages, cultures and traditions of different communities.

Among others, Senior Vice-Chairman of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust and reserved-seat MP Anna Minj, Notre Dame University Bangladesh Vice-Chancellor, Notre Dame College Principal Father Hemanto Pius Rozario, Holy Cross College Principal Sister Shikha Gomes, and Vice-Chairman of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust Advocate John Gomes were present.

The President’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary were also present.