Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said on Sunday that people of all faiths would continue to live in the country, while emphasizing that his government would promote Islam in accordance with Islamic principles.

Rahman made the remarks during a meeting with Hefazat-e-Islam chief Mufti Muhibullah Babunagari in Fatikchhari, Chattogram.

“We want people of every faith to live in Bangladesh. At the same time, we will advance Islam in accordance with Islam,” Rahman said, according to remarks released after the meeting.

The prime minister said the government should focus on policies that improve people’s lives and pledged to honor the commitments made to the public.

He also criticized the previous management of the country’s energy sector, alleging that it had been used without proper planning and for personal interests.

Rahman further alleged that individuals who had previously sought to steer the country in a different direction had recently been spreading misinformation.

During the meeting, the prime minister sought Babunagari’s prayers for his government and for the country to be governed in accordance with Islamic values.

The meeting comes as the government faces the challenge of balancing religious interests with Bangladesh’s constitutional commitment to equality and the rights of citizens from different faiths.