From correspondents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 02:02 PM IST

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her government will repeal all laws and rules discriminatory to minority communities, including indigenous people.

'Our government believes in freedom of all religious faiths and equal opportunities for all,' Hasina told a visiting French military delegation Wednesday.

Hasina said the government would ensure protection of freedom of all religions and the minority groups' freedom of expression in the country, United News of Bangladesh reported.

She spoke about her government's stand on free practice of all religions at a meeting with the French Commander of the Joint Forces in the Indian Ocean Region, Gerard Valin.

'The present government believes in peace and prosperity of the people, freedom of all religions and equal rights of people of all walks of life,' The Daily Star newspaper quoted her as saying Thursday.

Buddhist tribals and Hindus are minorities in Muslim majority Bangladesh.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)