Everyone, regardless of religion or race, will equally enjoy their rights in all spheres of life under the current government, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman says.
"The current government does not want to engage in politics based on religion," he said, addressing leaders of the Buddhist community who met him at the Secretariat on Thursday morning on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.
"We do not want to use religion for political interests, and we have never done so in the past. As the home minister mentioned earlier, and I want to emphasise again - religion is one's own, but the right to security belongs to everyone."
"Regardless of religion, caste, ethnicity-whether Bengali or non-Bengali, theists or atheists -everyone will enjoy equal rights in all areas. This is the policy of the current government."
The prime minister exchanged greetings with the leaders of the Buddhist community marking Buddha Purnima on Thursday at the Public Administration Hall of the Cabinet Division at the Secretariat.
On behalf of the Buddhist community, the delegation presented the prime minister with a commemorative crest and a replica of a statue of Gautam Buddha.
Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon said, "The leaders came to meet honourable prime minister Tarique Rahman on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. The prime minister greeted them on this holy day and delivered a speech to them."
'No One Should Consider Themselves a Minority'
The prime minister said, "One of the political philosophies of the current government is 'Bangladeshi nationalism.' It has been proven repeatedly that this philosophy alone can ensure harmonious coexistence among all ethnic, religious, and indigenous communities in the country."
"So, none of you should ever consider yourselves minorities. The state is our shared identity. Each of us, every citizen-we are all Bangladeshis."
Extending greetings to Buddhists in Bangladesh and around the world, he said, "We know there are many religions in the world, each with countless followers. Every religion calls people to wellbeing and has its own set of rules. The chief spiritual leader of Buddhism, Gautam Buddha, introduced the five precepts for his followers. These include refraining from killing, stealing, adultery, lying, and intoxication. Love, non-violence, and compassion for all beings are also core teachings of Buddhism. These principles are important for every human being."
"I believe that alongside state laws, if every citizen properly follows their respective religious teachings, we can build a humane state and society together. Therefore, it is the foremost responsibility and commitment of our government to build a state and society where every citizen can freely practice and enjoy their religious beliefs and rights without obstruction. The government is determined to ensure an environment where people of all faiths, opinions, and backgrounds can live in peace and security."
The prime minister further said, "The freedom fighters achieved Bangladesh's independence with the aspiration of building a safe country for all people-regardless of religion or belief. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians together sacrificed millions of lives to win this country. During the Liberation War, no one asked who followed which religion or whether someone was a theist or atheist. Therefore, this independent Bangladesh belongs to all of us."
He said he hoped that this special day of Buddha Purnima would be joyful and meaningful for the Buddhist community.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, Special Assistant for Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Minority Affairs Bijan Kanti Sarkar were also in attendance.
"bdnews24
