Regardless of religious beliefs, we are all members of one family: Chief Adviser

ছবিঃ সিএনআই

News Desk: Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has stated that every citizen of Bangladesh possesses equal dignity and no one can be deprived in any way based on religion, beliefs, or economic status. He made this statement today (Tuesday, September 16) at a goodwill exchange ceremony with followers of Sanatan Hinduism on the occasion of Sharodiya Durga Puja at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital. Earlier, he visited the Dhakeshwari Temple.

He said, "We are all members of the same family. The entire nation is one family. There may be differences of opinion within the family, there may be differences in behavior. But the family is an unbreakable entity—no one can break it. Our goal is to stand together as a nation, as this unbreakable family."

Professor Yunus said, "No matter what religious differences exist, no matter what differences of opinion exist, the state has no right to discriminate. The state is responsible for giving equal dignity to all. Whatever religion one believes in, whatever ideology one follows, whether rich or poor—to the state, that person is a citizen. All rights of citizens are enshrined in the constitution."

The Chief Adviser said, "The state has provided us with a list of what we are entitled to. No government has the right to deprive anyone, not even in the slightest amount. We are citizens—no discrimination of any kind can be made against us. We must always be vocal in establishing this right."

Regarding civil rights, he appealed, saying, "Whatever you say, repeatedly say—I am a citizen of this country, all my constitutional rights must be ensured. Then you will see that everyone will be your ally. People from across the country will stay together, because everyone's problem is the same—establishing one's own civil rights."

Highlighting the importance of civil rights, Professor Yunus said, "We are repeatedly humiliated, insulted, and subjected to various forms of discrimination. Why? Because we have become frustrated regarding civil rights. Now we can no longer be frustrated. The most important goal of the new Bangladesh is to ensure everyone's civil rights."

The Chief Adviser emphasized, "We do not want to practice religion while surrounded by security forces. We want to freely practice our respective religions as citizens. We must ensure this right. Law enforcement agencies are playing their role, and we are grateful for this. But we must build such a country where people will not need extra security arrangements to celebrate their religious festivals."

While extending greetings on the occasion of Sharodiya Durga Puja, the Chief Adviser also expressed his personal feelings. He said, "I thought this time I might be deprived of this joy. But I am persistent. I said I will come. I did not want to keep myself away from this joy. Although I will have to be in New York for the UN General Assembly as head of government during Sharodiya Durga Puja, I came early to share the joy with you."

He further said, "When I came here last time, I had said then too—we are all one family. There will be family disagreements, but the family will not break."

The program was conducted by Tapas Saha, General Secretary of the Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee. Among others who spoke at the event were Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs A.K.M. Aftab Hossain Pramanik, President of Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council Basudev Dhar, and President of Dhaka Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee Jayanta Kumar Dey.

Also present at the event were Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Chief Coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Chief Adviser's Office Lamiya Morshed.