The government is committed to ensuring religious harmony and equal rights for all citizens in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said Thursday.
He stressed that people should take pride in the identity of being “Bangladeshi,” not as “minority” or “majority.”
Speaking at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka during Janmashtami celebrations, where he exchanged greetings with Hindu community leaders and distributed honorariums among priests and temple caretakers, Tarique said diversity is the beauty of a society where people of different faiths and views coexist.
In today’s “global village,” he added, minority or majority status should not be the defining factor; everyone must identify as Bangladeshi.
He said political philosophy rooted in “Bangladeshi nationalism” is vital to keep citizens united, ensuring that party, ideology, religion, race, or identity do not become sources of division or discrimination.
Highlighting the religious significance of Janmashtami, he noted that according to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna was born on the eighth day of the dark fortnight. Linking Krishna’s birth to the downfall of King Kansa of Mathura, he said Krishna’s vow was “to suppress the wicked and protect the righteous.”
Referring to Bangladesh’s recent political changes, the prime minister said that after more than 15 years, democracy‑seeking people, regardless of party or faith, brought down “Kansa‑like fascists” at the cost of thousands of lives. “Democracy has begun its journey again in Bangladesh,” he declared.
He said the country now faces the task of rebuilding — improving a fragile economy, divided administration, and deteriorating law and order.
Calling for vigilance to preserve religious harmony, the prime minister said Bangladesh has long been home to people of different faiths who practice their religions and cultures with mutual respect and friendship. Yet, at times, “Kansa‑like” elements have tried to sow division.
He urged citizens to remain alert so that anti‑social forces cannot rise again or destroy the prevailing atmosphere of harmony. “It is the responsibility of all citizens to keep the bonds of mutual friendship and harmony intact,” he said.
Warning against rumours and communal incitement, Tarique said some are spreading misinformation and using social media to provoke unrest. He urged vigilance so that communal hatred does not destabilise society. “The government is committed to ensuring the security of every citizen,” he said.
Emphasising political and economic empowerment, he said strengthening sovereignty and building a prosperous, self‑reliant Bangladesh requires empowering citizens. For this, the government is implementing initiatives such as family cards, farmer cards, sports cards, and honorarium allowances for religious leaders of all faiths.
He said the government aims to establish a welfare state where citizens receive necessary support regardless of party, ideology, religion, or race, while also fulfilling their responsibilities to the state. “A welfare state will emerge through mutual responsibility, trust, and dialogue between the state, government, and citizens,” he said, stressing collective effort so 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 that living according to one’s faith and culture is a constitutional fundamental right. “Religion is personal, but the state belongs to all,” he said, noting that while faith may differ, the right to security is universal.
Mentioning the upcoming Durga Puja, the prime minister urged Hindu citizens to celebrate all religious and social festivals in peace and safety. Alongside Janmashtami greetings, he extended advance wishes for Durga Puja.
