Bangladesh Muslim Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Forum Launched

The ‘Bangladesh Muslim Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Forum’ has been formally launched. The name of the forum was announced at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Saturday (September 12). The forum’s convener, Suranjan Ghosh, read out the written statement at the press conference.

It was stated at the press conference that the forum is not a sudden initiative. Rather, it is a collective effort born out of a deep sense of responsibility towards the soil, history and future of Bangladesh. Our slogan is one: No division, unity. The right to stand on the land where we are standing today and speak freely, organise ourselves and talk about unity did not come automatically. Every particle of this right was written with the blood of countless martyrs, the tears of countless mothers and the silent sacrifices of countless families. Therefore, at the very beginning of this forum, we first want to remember those whose sacrifices made today’s Bangladesh possible.

The statement include, “We remember with deep respect and gratitude those immortal martyrs whose blood wrote the indelible chapters of our history. At every turn of history and in every struggle, the price paid by the people of Bengal is an eternal trust for our generation. It is our moral responsibility to remain faithful to this trust.” The forum also remembered with deep sorrow and respect M Elias Ali, Chowdhury Alam and other unnamed heroes who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to establish people’s rights against the repression, enforced disappearances, torture and authoritarian rule of the “fugitive fascist regime” over 16 years.

“Many of those who disappeared may not have their names written in the pages of history, and their final fate remains unknown even today. The tears of each of their families and every night of waiting touch our conscience. Many of their names may not be written in the pages of history, but their sacrifices will burn forever in the memory of the people,” the forum said.

The forum also expressed deep sorrow over all those killed in the Pilkhana tragedy, saying their sudden and brutal killings created a deep wound in the nation’s heart that can never be erased. The statement also paid special tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia, described as the “daughter of democracy” in Bangladesh.

“We especially want to remember the late Begum Khaleda Zia, the daughter of democracy in Bangladesh. She was a unique beacon of hope for freedom-loving people. Even in the deepest darkness, she kept the light burning. She stood alone against authoritarianism with unwavering courage. The struggle of her long political life, her steadfast determination and patience are an unforgettable chapter in our national history. Her struggle will remain alive in our hearts forever and inspire future generations to stand against injustice,” the forum stated.

The forum said, unfortunately, a section is attempting to isolate and marginalise Bangla-speaking people belonging to particular religious communities by labelling them as “minorities” and pushing them away from the national mainstream. “Such divisive propaganda is completely contrary to the spirit of our Liberation War and the constitutional principles of equality and human dignity. Building resistance against this destructive force is the main objective behind establishing this forum,” the forum said.

The forum said its mission is clear: to establish all Bangladeshi citizens, regardless of religion, as members of a common national identity.
It also aims to identify and prevent communal provocation, rumours and hate campaigns, and respond to them with verified information. “Our temples, mosques, churches and Buddhist monasteries may be different, but our motherland is one, our language is one, and our future is one. There is only one way to repay the debt owed to the blood of the martyrs—to build a just, non-communal and united Bangladesh.”