Bangladesh emerged for creation of non-communal state: Hasan

Publish: 9:03 PM, May 26, 2021 | Update: 9:03 PM, May 26, 2021

DHAKA,  – Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the rise of Bangladesh took place with an aim to create a non-communal state.

He said this while addressing a function, organised by Bangladesh Buddhist Cultural Council, at Shahbagh in the capital on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

Chaired by president of the Buddhist Cultural Council Dr Uttam Kumar Barua, the function was addressed, among others, by office secretary of Awami League Barrister Biplob Barua, Mahathero Ashino Dinrakhyith and council general secretary Prosenjit Barua.

Speaking as the chief guest, Hasan urged all the Buddhist people to pray on this holy day so that the cyclone ‘Yaas’ gets weakened before making landfall and the world becomes free from coronavirus soon.

He greeted the members of the country’s Buddhist community on the occasion of the Buddha Purnima, an auspicious day that marks the birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, the founder of Buddhism.

The information minister said Bangladesh achieved independence in exchange of the blood of people of all religions.

“We’ve come out of the communal state system of Pakistan for building a non-communal Bangladesh as one of the goals of the independence and that is why secularism is enshrined in our Constitution,” he said.

Noting that propaganda over secularism are always carried out in the country, Hasan said Palestine, which is supported by all the Muslim countries, follows the policy of secularism and Iraq also does so.

He said: “Awami League considers that at first we all are Bangalees and then we are Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian or followers of other religions. But, there is a quarter in Bangladesh who gives priority to the religious identity first. And then they suffer from dilemma whether they are Bangalees or Bangladeshi. This is the difference between us and them.”

The AL joint general secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken various initiatives to ensure the rights of the people of all religions, while her government is committed to resist the communal forces with an iron hand.

Establishing peace, harmony and equality among people is the main mantra of all religions and Buddhism also says the welfare of all living beings, he said.

Urging all to hold the essence of their respective religions to establish peace, harmony and equality, Hasan said: “If we all practice the spirit of religions, there would be no violence in the world.”

Mentioning that religious festivals have become a part of the country’s culture and tradition, he said all the religious festivals, including Buddha Purnima, Durga Puja, Eid and Christmas are universal in this country as people from all religions take part in the festivals.

He called upon all to be united to resist those who want to destroy the spirit of universal harmony in the country.

Later, the minister handed over gifts to the participants and took part in the procession of Buddha Purnima.