"Today, a quarter is creating hatred among people of various regions, religions and political beliefs," she said while exchanging greetings with a delegation of Buddhists.

"Their negative politics is posing threat to unity, peace and friendship in our society," the prime minister said, adding that they are also trying to tarnish the image of Bangladesh abroad.

The function was organised at the International Conference Center (ICC) on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, with more than 100 religious leaders of the faith and leaders of various Buddhist organisations attending.

The prime minister urged all irrespective of faiths to work together to advance the

country for making a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.

"People of all faiths have brought independence to the country through shedding blood," she said.

She said no one in Bangladesh is minority -- all are Bangladeshis irrespective of

religious, racial and cultural identity.

"There is no difference between the inhabitants of plain lands and hilly areas since all enjoy equal rights in Bangladesh," she said.

Listing a number of programmes and schemes, Khaleda said her government has been working to ensure basic needs of people--food, clothing, education, medicare and shelter.

Responding to some demands of the Buddhists, including expansion of land of Buddha Bihar at Merul Badda in Dhaka and preservation and renovation of

Buddha Bihars in many areas of the country, the prime minister assured of meeting their demands to preserve their religious heritage.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Md Mosharraf Hossain Shajahan, also chairman of the Bangladesh Buddhist Welfare Trust, and Deputy Minister for CHT Affairs Moni Swapan Dewan presented bouquet to the prime minister on behalf of the community on the occasion of Bouddha Purnima. They also spoke on the occasion.