Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has urged that no one should be harassed for playing or listening to the speech of any political leader, calling on all concerned to act responsibly and prevent such incidents in the future.
Speaking on Wednesday afternoon at a dialogue organized by the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, the minister emphasized that human rights violations should not occur in connection with speeches, including those of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "We hope that no one will engage in undesirable incidents centered on the speech of any leader. We never wanted that," he said.
The dialogue, titled "Expectations from the New Government: National Human Rights Commission Ordinance 2025," was chaired by the platform's convener, Dr. Debapriya Bhattacharya, distinguished fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue.
Referring to remarks by MP and freedom fighter Advocate Md. Fazlur Rahman, Salahuddin Ahmed said he did not wish to respond directly to allegations but noted that issues relating to certain speeches continue to raise concerns about human rights. He acknowledged that Bangladesh's social and political culture is gradually improving and that achieving a fully democratic political environment will take time. "Insha'Allah, we will achieve that one day," he said.
The home minister also discussed government plans regarding the ordinances issued by the previous interim government. He said many will be adopted, some amended, and others passed as bills in parliament. He stressed that imposing decisions by force does not benefit the nation, adding that ordinances must be passed within 30 days, after which those not enacted will lapse but can later be reintroduced.
Salahuddin Ahmed confirmed that the ordinance related to the National Human Rights Commission will be discussed in parliament. "We want the human rights situation in Bangladesh to approach international standards. However, considering the realities, we need time and opportunity," he said.
Among those present at the event were economist Rehman Sobhan, MP and freedom fighter Advocate Md. Fazlur Rahman, Barrister Rumin Farhana, human rights activist Khushi Kabir, Advocate Subrata Chowdhury, Mahmudur Rahman Manna of Nagorik Oikya, Barrister Sara Hossain, and Advocate Ahmed Azam Khan.
