PM vows equal rights for all religions
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman reaffirmed his government’s commitment to protecting the equal rights of people from all religions, saying every citizen must be able to live in peace, security and dignity without discrimination.
Speaking at a Buddha Purnima greeting exchange with Buddhist community leaders at the Public Administration Hall of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat on Thursday, he made it clear that his administration does not believe in using religion as a political instrument.
He said the government neither practises nor supports politics in the name of religion and has no intention of exploiting religious sentiments for partisan interests.
The Prime Minister observed that the state’s primary duty is to create a social and constitutional environment where all citizens can freely practise their own faiths, customs and traditions and enjoy their lawful rights without barriers.
He stressed that peace and security must be guaranteed for every individual, regardless of political identity, religion, caste or community affiliation.
Describing religion as a personal matter but public security as a universal right, Tarique Rahman said all citizens irrespective of faith, ethnicity or ideology, whether Bengali or non-Bengali, believer or non-believer will continue to enjoy equal opportunities and constitutional protections under the present government.
He recalled that Bangladesh’s independence was achieved through the collective sacrifice of people from every religion and belief, noting that Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians fought side by side during the Liberation War without questioning one another’s faith.
“This Bangladesh belongs equally to all of us,” he said, adding that the spirit of the Liberation War was rooted in building a safe and inclusive homeland for everyone.
Highlighting “Bangladeshi nationalism” as one of the government’s key political philosophies, the Prime Minister said it has consistently served as an effective foundation for maintaining harmony and peaceful coexistence among followers of different religions, ethnic groups and communities.
He urged citizens not to identify themselves as minorities, saying the state belongs equally to every Bangladeshi and that national identity should stand above all divisions.
Tarique Rahman also said every religion in the world teaches human welfare through its own principles and disciplines.
Referring to Gautama Buddha, he said Buddhism teaches its followers the Five Precepts, which discourage killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, falsehood and intoxicants, while promoting love, compassion and non-violence.
He noted that if citizens sincerely follow the moral teachings of their respective religions alongside the laws of the state, it would be possible to build a humane and compassionate society together.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that Buddha Purnima would bring joy and deeper significance to the Buddhist community and extended warm greetings to Buddhists at home and abroad on the birth anniversary of Gautama Buddha.
On behalf of the Buddhist community, leaders presented him with a commemorative crest and a replica statue of Gautama Buddha.
Among others present were Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, State Minister Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Bandarban lawmaker Saching Prue, BNP-nominated women’s seat candidate Madhabi Marma and BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Dr Sukomal Barua.
