Dr Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), on Saturday said that corruption and religious intolerance contradict the spirit of Ekushey.
He made the remarks after paying homage to language martyrs at the Central Shaheed Minar.
Speaking at the ceremony, Iftekharuzzaman stressed that all citizens of Bangladesh are entitled to equal rights, and any form of discrimination based on religion or ethnicity is unacceptable.
He highlighted that denying equal rights to women, religious and ethnic minorities, indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups violates the core values of Ekushey and must be firmly rejected.
“We envision a Bangladesh where the principles of Ekushey guide us to ensure equal rights, coexistence, social dignity, and justice for all,” he said, adding that this reflects the true essence of Ekushey.
The remarks come as part of the nation’s annual observance of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day, which commemorates the sacrifices of those who fought to preserve the Bengali language.
