Staff Reporter :
The Interim Government of Bangladesh has reiterated its unwavering commitment to religious freedom, human rights, and pluralism while having meetings with Stephen Schneck, Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) on Monday.
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus met Schneck at the State Guest House Jamuna and emphasised the Interim Government’s determination to foster religious harmony and uphold the rights of all communities in the nation of 171 million people.
The discussions focused on the state of religious freedom, the July 2024 uprising, ongoing constitutional reforms, and the Rohingya humanitarian crisis.
“We are committed to safeguarding the religious freedom of every citizen of the country,” Prof Yunus stated, underscoring the vital role of religion in Bangladesh’s national identity.
He addressed concerns over recent allegations of violence against minorities, affirming the government’s dedication to transparency by welcoming international journalists to assess the situation on the ground.
Prof Yunus warned of ongoing disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the July 2024 uprising and misrepresenting it as an Islamist extremist movement.
“We are striving hard to build religious harmony in the country,” he said, noting that regional violence and the genocide in Palestine have added to communal tensions.
In response to Schneck’s queries about reform efforts, Prof Yunus confirmed that any proposed constitutional amendments would continue to guarantee the rights of religious minorities.
