Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 1, 2026 (BSS) - State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin today said serving citizens and protecting their fundamental rights are the government's foremost responsibilities.

Speaking as the chief guest at a relief distribution programme organised by the non-governmental development organisation 'Pratyashi' at the Gani Community Center in Sarkar Hat under Hathazari upazila, Mir Helal said the government is committed to ensuring the welfare of all Bangladeshis, regardless of their political affiliation, religion, caste or ethnicity.

"The only duty of the present government is to ensure the overall development of every citizen without discrimination," he said.

Recalling Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's directives after the government assumed office, the state minister said all public representatives, government officials and service providers had been instructed to place citizens at the centre of governance.

"The people are the real owners of the country. It is our responsibility to ensure public services and uphold their fundamental rights," he added.

Mir Helal said leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate bodies had endured repression for years but continued to stand beside people during natural disasters and other crises by providing relief and humanitarian assistance.

"Our politics is free from discrimination. We want to serve every Bangladeshi, irrespective of political views, religion or social background," he said.

Highlighting development in Hathazari, the state minister said that more than 450 development projects had been launched in the upazila during the five and a half months since the current government took office, with around 380 already completed or nearing completion.

He also said Hathazari's road and infrastructure network had improved significantly, recalling that poor communication facilities had caused immense hardship for local residents, particularly women, in the past.

Following the programme, Mir Helal distributed relief assistance among members of 'Pratyashi' and flood-affected residents of the area.

Pratyashi Executive Director Monowara Begum chaired the event. Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer Muhammad Abdullah Al Momin, local police officials, political leaders and other distinguished guests also attended.