Dhaka/

Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has protested the neglect and discrimination against minorities in the proposed budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. Therefore, the organization has made 6-point demands, including the conversion of minority religious welfare trusts into ‘foundations’.

The organization made this demand in a press conference organized at Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the Press Club on Tuesday (June 20).

Ed Rana Dasgupta, General Secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Parishad, presented the keynote speech at the event. He said that the total allocation for the Ministry of Religion’s operating expenses and development sector is Tk 2176.15 crore. Out of this, only 6.4 percent is allocated to religious minorities in the development sector. Where the picture of discrimination emerges.

He complained that the Ministry of Religion of the government is working for the state religion as per Article 2 (a) of the Constitution. Where Hindu, Buddhist, Christian religions do not have equal rights. Every year they are discriminated against in the budget.

Demands raised in the press conference-

* By converting Hindu, Buddhist and Christian religious welfare trusts into ‘foundations’ by making annual allocations from the national revenue budget for the development and welfare of religious-ethnic minorities, eliminating religious discrimination and expanding development activities for all religions.
* Formation of Minority Ministry and National Minority Commission to preserve and develop the interests of religious-ethnic minorities.
* To undertake accurate census of religious and ethnic minority communities on state initiative
* Allocation of necessary funds in the budget for the establishment of model temples/pagodas/churches and cultural centers at each district and upazila level for the development of religious events and culture of religious-ethnic minority communities.
* Due to religious discrimination in the budget for the last five decades, 5000 crores have been allocated for the development and welfare of minorities.
* To include teachers and employees working under the Bangladesh Sanskrit and Pali Education Board in the national pay scale.