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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has urged members of the Hindu community to make political decisions based on their conscience, considering their civil, religious and democratic rights.
Speaking at a Durga Puja event at Banani field in Dhaka on Friday, he said, “You do not need to be anyone’s vote bank. You are accountable to your own conscience.”
He said people could decide which government best protected their constitutional rights, religious freedom and opportunities to observe religious festivals.
The minister said some people had exploited the Hindu community for political gain in the past.
He stressed that all citizens of Bangladesh enjoy equal rights regardless of religion and that no one should face discrimination on religious grounds.
He also called for respect for the beliefs and religious practices of people of all faiths, saying the Constitution guarantees everyone the freedom to practise their religion, establish places of worship and celebrate religious festivals.
Salahuddin said this year’s Durga Puja had the highest number of puja mandaps, the largest government allocation and the most holidays, adding that the government would support the peaceful celebration of the festival.
