President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for collective efforts to ensure the development, rights and dignity of people belonging to all ethnic minority communities in the country.

He made the call when a 52-member delegation of the Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party, led by its central committee president Mrigen Hagidak, paid a courtesy call on him at Bangabhaban.

President's Press Secretary Md Sarwar Alam briefed  reporters after the meeting.

During the meeting, the delegation apprised the President of various problems faced by ethnic minority communities.

The President said the government is sincerely working to resolve the problems of ethnic minority people living in both the hills and plains.

Members of these communities themselves also need to take greater initiatives to protect their rights and promote their development, said the President.

He stressed the need for greater unity and mutual cooperation among them.

“You take one step forward, and I will take two steps forward,” the President said, underscoring the need to identify the problems and potentials of ethnic minority communities and undertake realistic projects accordingly.

On land-related problems, the President said members of the communities need to be aware and united to protect their rights.

He urged them to maintain communication with the local administration and take initiatives to resolve their problems.

Referring to the cutting of betel nut trees at a Khasia punji in Kulaura of Moulvibazar, the President said the incident is deeply deplorable.

He assured the delegation that the incident would be investigated impartially and necessary action would be taken against those responsible.

The President also laid special emphasis on ensuring educational opportunities for children and adolescents from ethnic minority communities and improving the quality of their education.

He stressed the need to further promote the cultural and social activities of ethnic minority communities.

The President also expressed a positive view about a proposed cultural programme at Bangabhaban next Pahela Baishakh, with participation from representatives of ethnic minority communities.

Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Saching Prue Jerry ; Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarker; Bangladesh Nationalist Ethnic Minority Party central committee general secretary Shishir Dio; and leaders of the central and different district committees were present.

The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary were also present.