No minorities in Bangladesh, all citizens have equal rights: Khasru at Janmashtami event
It is the responsibility of any government to protect the rights of every citizen, he says
The word "minority" is misleading, as all citizens of Bangladesh belong to the same nation and every government is duty-bound to ensure their equal rights, BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (16 August).
"Our constitution guarantees equal rights for all. To abide by the constitution, one must be non-communal. The word 'minority' shouldn't exist; we are all Bangladeshis," Amir Khasru said while speaking at Janmashtami celebrations at JM Sen Hall in Chattogram.
He further said, "It is the responsibility of any government to protect the rights of every citizen."
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Emphasising that the BNP does not believe in divisive politics, Khasru said, "We are one people, one country, and one society. Those who practice communal politics have always failed. The people of this country despise communalism. To build a new Bangladesh, we must rise above division."
Drawing on the teachings of Hindu god Lord Krishna, he said, "When a great soul is born, he works for the welfare of everyone. Krishna appeared in the Dwapar Yuga to free humanity from oppression. Today, as conflicts rage across the world, what we need most is tolerance."
Amir Khasru added that while differences in faith and politics will always exist, they should not stand in the way of national unity.
"People will practice their religions and celebrate their festivals. This does not conflict with democracy or the constitution. For the sake of the nation and its people, we must stand together," said the former minister.
The programme was presided over by Lion RK Dash Rupu, general secretary of the Bangladesh Central Committee of Janmashtami Udjapon Parishad. The ceremony began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Swami Sachidananda Puri Maharaj of Banshkhali Rishidham.
Former Chattogram BNP general secretary Abul Hashem Bakkar, Biplob Dey Partho, executive general secretary of the Parishad, Mohant Rabishwarananda Puri Maharaj of Pachuria Tapoban Ashram, Umeshananda Giri Maharaj of Bholananda Giri Mandir, and several other religious leaders spoke, among others, in the event.
