Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said Bangladesh has set a glaring example of giving equal opportunity to the people of all religions so that none can feel neglected.

‘We are concerned enough to ensure that none of any religion feel neglected, and Bangladesh has set an example in the world to this end,’ she said when leaders of the Buddhist community greeted her on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at her official residence Ganobhaban here.

She mentioned that it is the duty of a state to ensure that all the people can observe their respective religions in a peaceful manner.

Describing Bangladesh as a country of religious harmony, the Prime Minister said that people of Bangladesh will perform their religious rituals with dignity and sincerity.

‘This tolerance and brotherhood will prevail everywhere, and that is our aim,’ she continued.

The premier said the government wanted to achieve economic development making the country free from terrorism and militancy.

Describing terrorism and militancy as global problems, she said, ‘The people who are involved in militancy are just militants and they have no religion, no country and border.’

She mentioned the country is now free from hunger, and said ‘We are currently working to free the country from poverty undertaking various initiatives. The poverty rate has reduced to 21 percent while the rate of ultra poor is 11 percent.’

Former Industries Minister Dilip Barua also spoke at the programme where special assistant to the Prime Minister Barrister Biplab Barua conducted it.

Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Bir Bahadur Ushwe Singh, state minister for religious affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dipangkar Talukder MP, Bandarban Zila Parishad chairman Kaish Hla, Rangamati Zila Parishad Chairman Dhumketu Chakma, Khagrachari Zila Prishad Chairman Kongjuri Marma, Bangladesh Buddha Kristi Prochar Songha president Sanghanayak Shuddhananda Mohathero, International Buddha Bihar principal Dhormamitra Mohathero, Shakkyamoni Buddha Bihar principal Proggyananda Mohathero, Nobo Shalbon Bihar principal Shilvodro Mohathero, Bangladesh Buddhist Federation general secretary Sunanda Priyo Bhikkhu and BSMMU VC Prof Dr Kanak Kanti Barua were present.