Dhaka, Mar 31 (V7N) – BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the government aims to address the problems of small ethnic communities through dialogue and discussion.

“We are your own people. We want to stay alongside you, identify your problems, and gradually move toward solutions,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting held at the BNP Chairperson’s office in Gulshan. The programme was organized by the Bangladesh Nationalist Small Ethnic Communities Party.

Fakhrul noted that people from small ethnic groups face various challenges, adding that initiatives will be taken to identify and resolve those issues. He said a proposal is under consideration to create a special fund to support entrepreneurs from these communities, including the possibility of providing low-interest or collateral-free loans.

He also said the government will prioritize employment, education and training opportunities for small ethnic communities, adding that steps are underway to provide support through different government departments and institutionalize the sector.

“Our doors will always remain open for you. You can come at any time and share your concerns. Never feel isolated—you are part of us,” he added.

Emphasizing social harmony, Fakhrul said Bangladesh should be built as a model of unity despite global challenges marked by conflict and violence. “We want to build a ‘rainbow nation’ where all communities can live with dignity,” he said.

He also highlighted plans to organize cultural exhibitions and a national gathering of small ethnic communities later this year, urging all to maintain unity and avoid division.

Responding to participants, Fakhrul said written demands submitted through Deputy Commissioners would be reviewed promptly, assuring steps to resolve issues in Dinajpur and other areas. He also expressed optimism about increasing women’s representation from small ethnic communities in reserved seats. Leaders and activists of the organizing body were present at the meeting.

END/AJ/RH