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Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on people of all faiths and communities to think of themselves as Bangladeshis rather than identifying themselves as members of a religious majority or minority.
“The current government believes, and the BNP believes, that religion belongs to individuals, while the state belongs to everyone. Everyone has the right to security regardless of their religion. Following the celebration of Janmashtami, Durga Puja, another major religious and social festival, is approaching. Celebrate all your festivals peacefully, comfortably and safely,” the prime minister said.
“In today’s global village, identities such as minority and majority are not the main issue. Therefore, let us not think of ourselves as minorities or majorities; let us all think of ourselves as Bangladeshis,” he added.
The prime minister made the remarks at a Janmashtami programme held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Thursday morning. He was exchanging greetings with prominent members of the Hindu community and distributing honorariums among priests and temple custodians on the occasion.
Referring to Hindu religious beliefs, Tarique said Lord Krishna was born on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra. According to Hindu scriptures, Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was born in Mathura around 5,500 years ago when the city was ruled by the cruel and tyrannical King Kansa.
“Kansa was overthrown after the appearance of Lord Krishna. Hindus believe that one of Krishna’s principal missions was to suppress evil and protect the righteous,” he said.
Drawing a parallel with Bangladesh’s political history, the prime minister said a “cruel ruler like Kansa” had imposed himself on the people by taking away the rights of democracy-loving citizens for more than one and a half decades.
“After a long period of more than one and a half decades, people from all political parties, religions and communities brought down those fascist forces, like Kansa, at the cost of thousands of lives. The journey of democracy has begun anew in Bangladesh. Now it is time to rebuild the country by improving the fragile economy, divided administration and deteriorating law and order,” he said.
Tarique said the coexistence of people belonging to different religions and holding different views is the beauty of a diverse society.
“Those who are considered minorities or majorities at today’s event become so-called minorities when we travel to Europe or America. Therefore, in the current global village, such identities are not the main issue. Let us not think of ourselves as minorities or majorities; let us all think of ourselves as Bangladeshis,” he said.
He said the political philosophy of “Bangladeshi nationalism”, introduced by the country’s founding declaration leader, was rooted in the understanding that political affiliation, religion, caste or identity should not create divisions or discrimination among people.
“Our proud identity as citizens is: We are Bangladeshis,” he said.
The prime minister said people in Bangladesh have historically observed their respective religions and cultures while maintaining mutual respect, goodwill and communal harmony regardless of political affiliation, religion or community.
“However, at different times, people with the character of Kansa have attempted to keep divisions and conflicts alive in the state and society. We must remain vigilant so that anti-social forces cannot raise their heads again and no one can destroy the existing environment of harmony,” he said.
He called on all citizens to further strengthen religious harmony, tolerance, mutual respect and social cohesion.
“Some people are spreading rumours in various ways to destabilise the country. Some are attempting to provoke people through social media. I urge everyone to remain vigilant so that no form of communal provocation or hatred can create instability in our society. The current government is committed to ensuring the security of every citizen,” he said.
Tarique also stressed the need for political and economic empowerment of citizens to build a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh while safeguarding the country’s sovereignty.
“To achieve this goal, the current government is implementing various initiatives, including Family Cards, Farmers’ Cards and Sports Cards, as well as honorarium allowances for religious leaders of all faiths,” he said.
The prime minister said the government wants to establish a welfare state that will provide necessary support to citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation, religion or community, according to the state’s capacity and resources.
“In return, citizens will fulfil all their responsibilities towards the state. Through mutual responsibility, trust and dialogue among the state, government and citizens, we can build the welfare state that everyone desires,” he said.
He added that the government was determined to ensure that no one is left behind and called for collective efforts and support to achieve the goal.
“This country belongs to you, me and all of us. As citizens, everyone has equal rights in this country. Every citizen has the constitutional fundamental right to live according to their own religious beliefs and culture,” Tarique said.
Reiterating the government’s position, he said: “The current government believes, and the BNP believes, that religion belongs to individuals, while the state belongs to everyone. Everyone has the right to security regardless of their religion.”
He urged people to celebrate the upcoming Durga Puja alongside other religious festivals peacefully, comfortably and safely.
Concluding his remarks, the prime minister extended greetings to the Hindu community on Janmashtami and conveyed his advance greetings for the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
