Staff Reporter :
Interim Government Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has underscored the importance of unity among the people of Bangladesh, regardless of their religious, ethnic, or ideological differences.
Speaking at the opening of a meeting with religious leaders from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim communities at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday, Dr. Yunus emphasized the country’s shared identity.
“We will have diverse beliefs, religions, and practices, but we are all part of the same family. This is something we must emphasize. Despite our differences, we are not enemies of each other.
On questions of nationality and identity, we converge at one point-we are Bangladeshis, members of a single family,” he stated.
Dr. Yunus’ comments came amid rising concerns over alleged violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. Since assuming office, he has expressed deep concern about reports of persecution, particularly against minorities.
After his swearing-in, Dr. Yunus visited Dhakeshwari Temple, reiterating his commitment to fostering unity and inclusivity in the country.
He stressed the importance of equal rights for all citizens, stating, “Even if we set aside all other demands, one thing is clear: we all deserve equal rights-the right to speak, practice religion, and work.
These rights are guaranteed by the constitution, and it is the state’s responsibility to uphold them.”
Tackling Misinformation and Ensuring Transparency Addressing the growing concerns over alleged attacks on minorities, Dr. Yunus urged the public to exercise caution in believing reports, calling for a thorough investigation into the discrepancies between media reports and actual events.
“We must not accept misinformation blindly. We need to verify why discrepancies exist. Is it false propaganda, or is there truth in the claims? Discovering the truth is essential,” he explained.
He also acknowledged the potential for biased government information, noting that officials may present data in a way that aligns with their agendas. He emphasized the need for independent verification to uncover the real facts.
“In a country as vast as ours, incidents can occur, but finding out the truth promptly is critical to resolving them,” he added.
Ensuring Justice and Building a New Bangladesh Dr. Yunus made it clear that the state must take immediate action to address issues when they arise.
He highlighted the importance of creating an environment where incidents of violence or injustice are prevented, and swift remedies are provided.
“We all believe in this shared responsibility as members of the same family,” he remarked.
He also called for open, honest discussions on minority issues, advocating for accurate and unbiased information collection.
“We need to ensure that those who provide information can do so without fear of repercussions. This is vital for maintaining transparency and accountability,” he emphasized.
Concluding his speech, Dr. Yunus outlined his vision for a “New Bangladesh,” one based on justice, truth, and unity.
He urged religious leaders to collaborate in gathering information about minority issues, ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly and justly.
“Our ultimate goal is to create a united Bangladesh where truth and justice guide our actions,” he concluded.
