PM urges vigilance against attempts to undermine communal harmony
He joined the programme at 10am today (3 September), at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (3 September) urged the people to remain highly vigilant so that anti-social forces cannot rise again and no one can undermine the prevailing communal harmony in the country.
He made the call while addressing a reception and honorarium distribution programme for prominent members of the Hindu community, priests, and Sebaits at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital this morning, marking Janmashtami.
The prime minister said people of Bangladesh, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, have long been observing their respective religions and cultures while maintaining mutual respect, goodwill and harmony.
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However, he said, people with the character of 'Kansa' have from time to time attempted to create divisions in the state and society.
The prime minister said, "Democracy-loving people of Bangladesh had also witnessed a cruel ruler, like 'Kansa', sitting on the shoulders of the people after depriving them of all their rights".
"After more than one and a half decades, democracy-loving people of the country, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity, brought down those fascists resembling 'Kansa' at the cost of thousands of lives," he said.
Tarique Rahman said, "Democracy has started its journey anew in Bangladesh. Now it is time to rebuild the country by improving the fragile economy, divided administration and deteriorating law and order."
Referring to the coexistence of people of different faiths and beliefs in a state and society, he said, "This is the beauty of a diverse society...Those considered 'minorities' or 'majorities' here would all be so-called 'minorities' when travelling to Europe or America".
Therefore, in today's global village, the distinction between 'minority' and 'majority' is not a significant issue, he added.
"Let us all consider ourselves Bangladeshis, not minorities or majorities," he said, adding, "The identity of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or other distinctions in the state and society should not become a cause of division and discrimination among people."
"Guided by this very realisation, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Proclaimer of Independence, embraced the epoch-making political philosophy of 'Bangladeshi nationalism' as a means of uniting all citizens of the country. Our proud identity is 'We are Bangladeshis,' the prime minister added.
