The government is committed to ensuring religious harmony and equal rights for all citizens in Bangladesh, and people should prioritize their identity as “Bangladeshi” rather than being defined as “majority” or “minority,” Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said.
The prime minister made the remarks while attending a Janmashtami celebration at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, where he exchanged greetings with Hindu community leaders and distributed honorariums among priests and temple caretakers.
Tarique Rahman said diversity is the beauty of a society, where people of different religions and views can live together in harmony.
In today’s “global village,” identifying people as either majority or minority should not be the primary concern, he said, stressing that everyone should identify themselves as Bangladeshi citizens.
He said a political philosophy based on “Bangladeshi nationalism” is important for keeping citizens united and preventing political parties, ideologies, religions, races or other identities from becoming sources of division and discrimination.
Explaining the religious significance of Janmashtami, the prime minister said Hindu scriptures state that Lord Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight. Referring to Krishna’s role in the downfall of King Kansa of Mathura, he said Krishna had vowed to suppress evil and protect the righteous.
Referring to Bangladesh’s recent political changes, Tarique said that after more than 15 years, democracy-seeking people, regardless of political affiliation or religion, brought down “Kansa-like fascists” at the cost of thousands of lives.
“Democracy has begun its journey again in Bangladesh,” he said.
The prime minister said the country now faces the challenge of rebuilding its fragile economy, divided administration and deteriorating law and order situation, requiring collective efforts from both the government and citizens.
Tarique also urged citizens to remain vigilant in preserving religious harmony. He said Bangladesh has long been a country where people of different faiths have practiced their religions and cultures with mutual respect and friendship. However, he noted that “Kansa-like” elements have sometimes attempted to create divisions within society.
He warned against the spread of misinformation and communal incitement through social media, urging citizens to remain alert so that communal hatred cannot destabilize society.
“The government is committed to ensuring the security of every citizen,” he said.
The prime minister also emphasized the importance of political and economic empowerment of citizens. He said the government is implementing initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, sports cards and honorarium allowances for religious leaders of different faiths.
He said the government aims to establish a welfare state where citizens receive necessary support regardless of political party, ideology, religion or race.
“A welfare state will emerge through mutual responsibility, trust and dialogue between the state, government and citizens,” Tarique said, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure that no one is left behind.
“This country belongs to you, me and all of us,” he said.
“As citizens, our rights in this country are equal,” he added. Living according to one’s religion and culture is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution, he said.
“Religion is personal, but the state belongs to all,” Tarique said, emphasizing that while people may have different religious beliefs, the right to security is universal.
Referring to the upcoming Durga Puja festival, the prime minister urged Hindu citizens to celebrate religious and social festivals peacefully and safely. Along with extending greetings on Janmashtami, he also conveyed his advance wishes for Durga Puja.
Ref: Bangladesh Media.
