minorities. Two seats are also allocated for ethnic minority women in the Regional Council in Chittagong Hill Tracts region. The government has also undertaken a Vulnerable Group Development programme for the ultra-poor aiming to enhance productivity of ultra-poor, vulnerable women. The government attaches importance to improving the quality of life and human rights of all minority groups including those from ethnic minority backgrounds. In addition to general allocations, Special development allocafions are provided for the Chittagong Hill Tracts, which is mostly inhabited by ethnic minorities. The government has also allocated funds for Test Relief (food-grain) and .Gratuitous Relief {cash) for marginalised people including women living in the hill districts to help them through lean agricultural periods, food deficits and natural disasters. The government has taken special measures for ensuring housing for all disadvantaged population in its poverty strategic paper for the Fiscal year 20092011. Madam Chair, the Constitution of Bangladesh upholds the rights of minorities in Bangladesh. The present government's commitment to the empowerment and welfare of the minorities is based on the core ethos of a secular democracy.