Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said all citizens — regardless of religion, race, belief or non‑belief — will enjoy equal rights in every sphere of life.
He added, “The government’s main responsibility and commitment is to ensure a state and society where every citizen can freely practice and follow their religious beliefs and rights without obstruction.”
“The government is committed to ensuring an environment where all people, regardless of party, opinion, religion or ethnicity, can live in peace and security,” the prime minister said.
He came up with the comments while exchanging greetings with leaders of the Buddhist community on the occasion of Shubha Buddha Purnima.
The exchange took place at 10am in the Public Administration meeting room of the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat.
He also said, “The present government does not want to use religion for politics and has not done so in the past.”
The prime minister reiterated the statement made by the home minister, saying, “Religion is for everyone, but security is the right of all.”
The event was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, State Minister for Lands and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Bandarban MP Saching Prue Jeri, and BNP-nominated reserved women’s seat candidate for the hill region Madhabi Marma, among others.
During the event, Buddhist leaders presented a goodwill crest and a statue of Buddha to the prime minister.
Extending greetings, Tarique Rahman conveyed his sincere wishes to all Buddhists in Bangladesh and across the world.
He said “All religions exist in the world, and each religion calls for human welfare. Every religion has its own rules and principles.”
In a written statement Tarique noted that the main religious leader of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha, gave the Panchsheel principles for his followers, which include refraining from killing living beings, theft, adultery, lying and intoxicants.
“Love, non-violence and compassion for all living beings are also teachings of Buddhism” he added.
The prime minister said these principles are important for all people. He also said, “Alongside state laws, if citizens follow their religious guidelines properly, a humane society can be built together.”
He mentioned the independence of Bangladesh was achieved through the sacrifices of freedom fighters with the aspiration of a safe country for believers and non-believers alike.
“Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians together made the country independent through the sacrifice of millions of lives, and no one was asked about their religion or belief during the Liberation War. The country belongs to everyone” he added.
Tarique then said the current political philosophy of the government is “Bangladeshi nationalism”.
He noted “It has been repeatedly proven in Bangladesh that only Bangladeshi nationalism ensures close coexistence of all ethnic, religious and community groups.”
“No one should consider themselves a minority and that the identity of all citizens is the state. Everyone is Bangladeshi” he added.
In conclusion, Tarique Rahman again extended greetings to all Buddhist brothers and sisters and wished that Buddha Purnima becomes more joyful and meaningful for them.
