President calls for national committee to ensure equal rights for all

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for the formation of a national committee to ensure equal civic facilities for people of all religions.

“Religion is for individuals, but the state belongs to everyone,” he said, stressing that all citizens have equal rights to security and justice.

Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians are all citizens of Bangladesh, the president said, adding that the Constitution guarantees everyone equal rights, dignity and religious freedom. He said the government was committed to upholding these principles.

He made the remarks in a message of greetings to Hindu community leaders and members at a reception held at Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning to mark Sharadiya Durga Puja 2026 and Bijoya Dashami. His wife, Rahat Ara Begum, was also present.

The President’s Press Wing disclosed the information in a press release.

Referring to wars, violence and communal conflicts in different parts of the world, Mirza Fakhrul said the peaceful celebration of religious festivals by people of all faiths in Bangladesh was one of the country’s greatest achievements.

“This harmony is our strength and our identity. It must be preserved at all costs,” he said.

He warned that rumours, misinformation and religious extremism were sometimes used to create divisions, urging people to remain firm against such attempts. He particularly called on the younger generation to speak up for truth, justice and humanity.

The president said the country belonged to everyone and called for collective efforts to build the nation. He urged citizens not to allow any hostile force to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions.

He also called for building a safe, democratic, humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh based on mutual respect, equality and social justice.

Describing Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, he said people of different faiths had lived together on this land for centuries, bound by mutual respect and brotherhood.

He said the participation of people from all religious communities in the Liberation War, democratic movements and struggles against injustice had laid the foundation for national unity.

Greeting members of the Hindu community on Bijoya Dashami, he said he was delighted to welcome them to Bangabhaban for the festive occasion.

He noted that the festival symbolised the defeat of evil and the triumph of truth, beauty and welfare. Discrimination or persecution against any citizen on the grounds of religion, ethnicity or community identity was unacceptable, he said.

The president added that law enforcement agencies and the administration had been instructed to remain highly vigilant to ensure that people of all faiths could observe their religious festivals in a safe and joyful environment.

Earlier, when the president arrived at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban, representatives of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee welcomed him with flowers.

He later exchanged greetings with visitors and guests attending the reception.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaisar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and ethnic minority affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, who holds the rank of state minister, and senior government officials were also present.