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National Citizen Party (NCP) convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam has said democracy cannot be ensured without communal harmony.
He made the remarks while briefing journalists after a discussion with members of the Hindu community at Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Friday (September 4), marking Janmashtami.
Nahid Islam said minorities in Bangladesh, both religious and ethnic, had faced various forms of persecution and repression at different times in the past.
“The state or government remained silent and did not take any action. At times, it indirectly supported such incidents. This created a culture of impunity,” he said.
“Since the July uprising, we have repeatedly said that the justice system must be strengthened. Communal harmony and human dignity must be ensured,” he added.
He said there was a bond of solidarity with people of all religions, including the Hindu community, and that their festivals were part of a tradition spanning thousands of years.
The NCP convener said implementing the July Charter and the verdict of the referendum would, in their view, put the country’s justice system on a stronger foundation.
“This will ensure a basis for people from all communities to receive justice. All political forces, including the government and the opposition, must keep this in mind,” he said.
