Minister Vows to Address Garo, Koch, Barman Communities’ Needs
Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam today said initiatives will be taken to identify the problems of the Garo, Koch and Barman communities of Madhupur and find realistic solutions to establish their rights, create employment and improve their living standards.
“I want to do something for the small ethnic groups so that they remember me throughout their lives,” he said.
Faqir Mahbub Anam, also Science and Technology Minister, made the remarks while addressing a reception and views-exchange meeting as the chief guest at the Pirgacha Thangyani Credit premises in Madhupur, organised by the Garo, Koch and Barman ethnic communities of Madhupur (Abima) Garanchal, an official handout said.
Laying emphasis on identifying the problems and expectations of the small ethnic groups specifically, he said for this, details of their demands and problems must be submitted in writing.
After reviewing this information, he will place the issues before the Prime Minister and the ministers concerned so that a realistic way to a solution can be found.
Faqir Mahbub Anam said effective steps are needed to expand employment, skills development and higher education opportunities for young men and women of small ethnic groups.
At the same time, he said, issues related to preserving their language, culture and heritage and improving their living standards will be considered with due importance.
Highlighting the prospects for development in the ethnic people-dominated areas of Madhupur, the minister said discussions will be held with those concerned on matters such as setting up digital labs, improving road communications and expanding mobile networks.
He also laid emphasis on expanding the fields of education and employment for the new generation by making use of information technology.
The minister further said that to uphold the dignity of the people's votes and trust, one has to work sincerely to solve their problems.
He called upon the ethnic groups leaders to present their demands and expectations in an organised manner and assured them of utmost efforts to resolve the problems.
Earlier, on his arrival at the venue, the organisers welcomed the minister by dancing and singing in their traditional manner.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Khudro Jatigosthi Dal Central Committee Organising Secretary Advocate John Jetra presided over the programme, which was attended by Madhupur Upazila BNP President Zakir Hossain Sarker, Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Khudro Jatigosthi Dal Central Committee President Mrigen Hagidok, Ajoy A Mree, ethnic youth and student representative Juel Rating, representatives of the local administration, and leaders of the Garo, Koch and Barman communities.
