DHAKA, Feb 23, 2024 (BSS) - Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury today said people of all religions and castes should work together to move the country forward. 

"To build a progressive and prosperous Bangladesh, we need to help flourish talent. People should be evaluated not on the basis of religion, but on the basis of knowledge and merit," he said.

The environment minister made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at Atish Dipankar, Visuddhananda, Suddhananda and Pandita Vanaratna Peace Gold Award distribution ceremony at the Auditorium of Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery at Basabo here.

Saber said the award winners have made significant contributions to the development of Buddhism and society. 

"Their work will inspire others," he said, adding "The present government is working to ensure a peaceful and harmonious life for people of all religions".

Among others, Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal, Vice-Chancellor of University of Dhaka, Rinchen Kuentsyl, Ambassador of Bhutan, and Lion Chitta Ranjan Das, Councilor of Ward No. 5 of Dhaka South City Corporation, were present at the function with Buddhapriya Mahathero, President of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, in the chair.

Ngawang Tenzing Gyatso from India, Dr Pranab Kumar Baruya from Bangladesh, one Zakir Hossain Khan on behalf of Peter Koh from Singapore, and Haji Mosharaf Ali Foundation from Bangladesh, received the Atisha Dipankar, Visuddhananda, Suddhananda, and Pandita Vanaratna Peace Gold Award, respectively. 

Dr Suborna Barua, Professor of the International Business Department at the University of Dhaka, was honoured for his appointment as Chairman of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh (ICB).

After the ceremony, Environment Minister Saber Hossain inaugurated the Dharmarajik Technical Training Centre at the Buddhist temple.