Ishraque vows to build non-communal BD

Liberation War Affairs State Minister and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain on Friday said Bangladeshi nationalism meant ensuring equal rights and dignity for every citizen, regardless of religion, community or economic status.

“The meaning of this nationalism is that all citizens of the country will enjoy equal rights and equal dignity,” he said while inaugurating renovation work at Shri Shri Narasingha Jiu Bigraha Temple in Laxmibazar in the capital.

He said the government was working to build a Bangladesh where people of all religions and communities, including Hindus and Muslims, could live with equal rights and self-respect.

“Bangladesh must be built as a non-communal country. Equal rights and dignity must be ensured for people of all religions and communities, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, Hindu or Muslim,” Ishraque said.

Referring to past incidents in which an atmosphere of fear was created ahead of religious festivals, he said Hindus and Muslims had lived alongside one another for years and generations without problems.

“Some political parties tried to exploit this issue in the past. If any political party engages in such activities in the future, we will work together with everyone to resist them,” he said.

Ishraque assured that the government would work to ensure the security of Hindus and Muslims alike and create an environment where everyone could observe religious festivals peacefully.

Speaking about his responsibilities at the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, Ishraque said this was his first term as a member of Parliament and that the Prime Minister had entrusted him with a major responsibility.

“The Liberation War Affairs Ministry is a matter of pride. When we talk about the birth of Bangladesh, we have to talk about the Liberation War,” he said, seeking everyone’s prayers and blessings to discharge his responsibilities successfully.

Turning to the gas crisis, Ishraque said no one in Bangladesh was responsible for the current situation.
“For the past 17 years, Bangladesh was run under an import-dependent energy policy. But no steps were taken to extract the country’s own domestic gas resources,” he said.

He said two rigs had been made operational a few days ago and approval had been given for two more new rigs, which would begin gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal.

“But this process takes some time; it cannot happen overnight. So I urge the people to be a little patient,” he said.

Ishraque also stressed the need to explore alternative energy sources, saying special attention should now be given to renewable energy, particularly solar power.

“Although it is not possible to meet 100 percent of the country’s energy demand through solar power, it can be used as backup during peak hours when additional demand occurs,” he said, expressing hope that this would help prevent load-shedding problems in the future.

Like the Prime Minister, Ishraque expressed regret over the public suffering caused by the gas crisis.
“Efforts are underway to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible and bring people’s lives back to normal,” he said, seeking everyone’s support and prayers.