Dhaka, Oct 20 (V7N) – Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the sole and primary identity of people of all religions living in Bangladesh is that they are proud citizens of the country—"Bangladeshis," adding that there is no scope for referring to anyone as "minority" on the basis of religious or ethnic identity.

The minister said the government is firmly committed to building a discrimination-free society based on equal rights in the new Bangladesh that emerged through the historic 2024 July Mass Uprising. He made these remarks while addressing a gathering organized by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Chattogram Metropolitan unit, on the occasion of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to the traditional JM Sen Hall Puja Mandap in Chattogram city today.

The Prime Minister attended the event as the chief guest, visited the Puja Mandap and exchanged Sharadiya greetings with Hindu community members.

End of 'Vote Bank' Politics

Salahuddin Ahmed said for a long time, a particular group in the country's political culture had treated members of the Sanatan Hindu community and other ethnic groups merely as a "vote bank." However, he said, the people of the country put an end to this misconception in the last election and demonstrated their political awareness.

The minister said that in the past, those who pursued politics of violence and seized places of worship and property in various parts of the country out of a desire to remain in power had failed to achieve their objectives because the people did not allow such attempts to succeed.

Recovery of Occupied Properties

He added the government is sincerely working to recover vested properties that had been illegally occupied and resolve outstanding issues related to temples. These efforts will continue in the future, he said. The minister added the government believes in ensuring religious harmony and comprehensive security not merely through promises but through concrete action. In accordance with the Prime Minister's specific directives and plans, the government is working to ensure the constitutional rights of every citizen, the security of places of worship and equal opportunities for all, said the Home Minister