A Muslim lawmaker has donated about US$2,000 to aid in ongoing renovations of the Mother of Salvation shrine in Rajshahi parish during a pilgrimage this week that attracted an estimated 6,000 people.

Omor Faruk Chowdhury made the donation to improve the grounds around the shrine and help combat annual flooding.

“In a secular country it is a righteous duty to help everyone practice their faith accordingly. I didn’t want to see any devotees come to the shrine in my area and suffer from a shortage of space,” he said during the pilgrimage that began on January 15.

“Next year I will help rebuild the linking road that runs to the shrine.”

Chowdhury has also donated an additional $2,500 to build a school for poor students in Rajshahi.

Donations of about $3,750 have also been received to build a new altar and to fund renovations of the shrine’s grotto.