Our proud identity is that we are Bangladeshis: PM

• PM urges vigilance against evil forces while exchanging greetings with Hindu community

Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman has urged the people of the country to remain highly vigilant so that anti-social evil forces cannot raise their heads again and no one can destroy the existing communal harmony. He said, “Let us all think of ourselves as Bangladeshis, rather than as minorities or majorities.” The revolutionary political philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism, espoused by the proclaimer of independence, is aimed at uniting all citizens of the country based on the realisation that political, ideological, religious or ethnic identities should not become a cause of division and discrimination among people in the state and society.

He made the call yesterday morning at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital while exchanging greetings with prominent members of the Hindu community and distributing honorariums among priests and sevayets on the occasion of Janmashtami. The Prime Minister said people in Bangladesh have traditionally observed their respective religions and cultures while maintaining mutual respect, goodwill and communal harmony irrespective of political views, religion or ethnicity. However, from time to time, people with the character of “Kansa” have attempted to create divisions in the state and society.

He said a cruel ruler like “Kansa” had also sat on the shoulders of the people in Bangladesh after depriving democracy-loving citizens of all their rights. After more than a decade and a half, the democracy-loving people of the country, irrespective of political views, religion or ethnicity, brought down those fascists in the guise of Kansa at the cost of thousands of lives. The journey of democracy has begun again in Bangladesh. Now it is time to rebuild the country by improving the fragile economy, divided administration and deteriorating law and order situation.

A state and society comprise people of different religions and beliefs. The Prime Minister said this is the beauty of a diverse society. Those who are considered minorities or majorities at today’s event are all considered minorities when we travel to Europe or America. Therefore, in today’s global village, identities such as minority or majority are not a major issue.

The Prime Minister said, “Let us all think of ourselves as Bangladeshis, rather than as minorities or majorities.” The revolutionary political philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism, espoused by the proclaimer of independence, is aimed at uniting all citizens of the country based on the realisation that political, ideological, religious or ethnic identities should not become a cause of division and discrimination among people in the state and society. “Our proud identity is that we are Bangladeshis.”

The current government wants to build a welfare-oriented state system. Prime Minister Mr. Tarique Rahman said the state would provide necessary assistance to citizens of the country, irrespective of political views, religion or ethnicity, according to its capacity and resources. On the other hand, citizens would fulfil all their civic responsibilities towards the state. He said a welfare state desired by all would be built through mutual responsibility and trust and dialogue between the state, government and citizens. The current government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in this state and society. Collective initiatives and assistance are required for this.

The PM said political and economic empowerment of citizens is essential to build a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh while consolidating sovereignty. To achieve this goal, the current government has been undertaking and implementing various initiatives, including Family Cards, Farmer Cards, Sports Cards and honorariums and allowances for religious leaders of all faiths.

Recalling Lord Krishna, the founder of Sanatan Dharma, the Prime Minister said according to Hindu scriptures, Lord Krishna, the founder of Sanatan Dharma, was born on the eighth lunar day of the waning fortnight. An incarnation of Hinduism, Lord Krishna was born in Mathura around 5,500 years ago at a time when Mathura was ruled by the cruel, wicked and oppressive autocrat Kansa. Following the appearance of Lord Krishna, Kansa was overthrown. Hindus believe that one of Lord Krishna’s principal vows was to suppress evil and protect the virtuous.

Greeting the Hindu community on Janmashtami, the Prime Minister said, “This country belongs to you, me and all of us. As citizens, all of us have equal rights in this country. Every citizen has the constitutional fundamental right to lead their life according to their respective religious beliefs and culture. The current government believes, the BNP believes, that religion belongs to individuals, while the state belongs to everyone. Everyone has the right to security, regardless of their religion.”

The Prime Minister said, “Let us further strengthen the bonds of religious harmony, tolerance, mutual respect, goodwill and communal harmony. Immediately after the Janmashtami festival, Durga Puja, the upcoming religious and social festival, is before you. Celebrate all your festivals and events peacefully, comfortably and safely. Once again, along with my greetings on Janmashtami, I extend my advance greetings for the Durga festival.”

The programme to exchange greetings was organised by the Prime Minister’s Office on the occasion of Janmashtami. The event began with a recitation from the Gita. Earlier, on behalf of the Hindu community, Culture Minister Mr. Nitai Roy Chowdhury presented flowers to the Prime Minister as a gesture of greeting. The Prime Minister also extended greetings to the Hindu community and presented a floral bouquet. On behalf of the Hindu community, Member of Parliament Ms. Subarna Shikdar Thakur received it.

At the event, the Prime Minister distributed honorariums among nine priests and sevayets of temples. At the same time, the money was transferred through EFT to the bank accounts of priests and sevayets across the country.