Dhaka, Sept 4 (V7N) – Home Affairs Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today said no community in Bangladesh needs to be identified as a "minority," as all citizens will enjoy equal rights, security and freedom based on citizenship rather than religion or any other identity.
"Our primary and foremost identity should be that we are all Bangladeshis," he said while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Historic Central Janmashtami Procession at the Dhakeshwari National Temple premises, marking the Central Janmashtami Festival 1433.
Calling for a non-communal Bangladesh, Salahuddin said the government's fundamental policy is "Bangladesh for everyone" and that religious, social and ethnic identities should come afterwards. He said religious freedom and observance for people of all faiths had been ensured since the present government assumed office six months ago.
Referring to the Constitution, the minister said the state is obligated to ensure religious freedom for every citizen and that no discrimination can be made on the basis of religion. He also urged people to replace the term "communal harmony" with "religious and social harmony, coexistence and peace".
The minister's remarks come as Bangladesh celebrates Janmashtami, one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community. The government has been working to ensure the safety and security of all religious communities as they observe their respective festivals.
The government has also been providing honorariums to Hindu priests, sebaits and other religious figures alongside imams, with initiatives taken to expand the coverage. In his Janmashtami message earlier this week, President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir called upon all to draw lessons from the philosophy of Sri Krishna and work together to build a non-communal and united society.
The programme was presided over by Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee President Gopal Chandra Debnath. Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam attended the procession by lighting a ceremonial lamp. Bijon Kanti Sarker, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (status of State Minister) on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs, and lawmaker from Dhaka-07 constituency Hamidur Rahman were present as guests of honour.
The procession began from Plassey intersection and concluded at Bahadur Shah Park in old Dhaka. Thousands of devotees and members of the Hindu community participated in the procession, which featured traditional songs, dances and cultural performances, reflecting the vibrant heritage of the community.
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