In Bangladesh, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader has demanded that the government set up a minority ministry or a commission to protect the interest of the minorities. <br />'' <br />'' Speaking at a discussion to mark Janmashtmi festival in Dhaka yesterday, he said Jatiya Party will stand with the minority communities to realise their justified demands. <br />'' <br />'' Earlier on Friday, during a Janmashtmi function in Dhaka, ruling Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader had said the enemies of the country's Hindu community are also the enemies of the state. <br />'' <br />'' AIR correspondent reports that allegations of discrimination and persecution of minorities have surfaced in the past in Bangladesh. <br />'' <br />'' The minorities' population in the country has declined over the decades. The Government has consistently denied these allegations, saying Bangladesh staunchly defends religious rights of the minorities.