Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today urged the people to remain highly vigilant so that anti-social forces cannot rise again and no one can undermine the prevailing communal harmony in the country.

He made the call while addressing a reception and honorarium distribution programme for prominent members of the Hindu community, priests, and Sebaits at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital this morning marking the Janmashtami.

The Prime Minister said people of Bangladesh, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or ethnicity, have long been observing their respective religions and cultures while maintaining mutual respect, goodwill and harmony.

However, he said, people with the character of ‘Kansa’ have from time to time attempted to create divisions in the state and society.

The Prime Minister said, “Democracy-loving people of Bangladesh had also witnessed a cruel ruler, like ‘Kansa’, sitting on the shoulders of the people after depriving them of all their rights”. 

“After more than one and a half decades, democracy-loving people of the country, irrespective of political affiliation, religion or ethnicity, brought down those fascists resembling ‘Kansa’ at the cost of thousands of lives,” he said. 

Tarique Rahman said, “Democracy has started its journey anew in Bangladesh. Now it is time to rebuild the country by improving the fragile economy, divided administration and deteriorating law and order.” 

Referring to the coexistence of people of different faiths and beliefs in a state and society, he said, “This is the beauty of a diverse society...Those considered ‘minorities’ or ‘majorities’ here would all be so-called ‘minorities’ when travelling to Europe or America”. 

Therefore, in today’s global village, the distinction between ‘minority’ and ‘majority’ is not a significant issue, he added.

“Let us all consider ourselves Bangladeshis, not minorities or majorities,” he said, adding, “The identity of political affiliation, religion, ethnicity or other distinctions in the state and society should not become a cause of division and discrimination among people.”

“Guided by this very realisation, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Proclaimer of Independence, embraced the epoch-making political philosophy of ‘Bangladeshi nationalism’ as a means of uniting all citizens of the country. Our proud identity is 'We are Bangladeshis,' the Prime Minister added. 

Referring to the government’s goal of building a welfare state, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, “The state will provide necessary support to its citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, to the extent of its capacity and resources. In return, citizens will fulfil all their responsibilities towards the state.”

“This is how the desired welfare state will be built through mutual ‘responsibility, trust and dialogue’ among the state, government and citizens. The government is determined to ensure that no one is left behind in this state and society. This requires collective efforts and support,” he said. 

The Prime Minister said political and economic empowerment of citizens is essential to building a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh while consolidating its sovereignty.

“To achieve this goal, the government is taking and implementing various initiatives, including the Family Card, Farmer Card and Sports Card, as well as honorarium, allowances for religious leaders of all faiths,” he said. 

Recalling Sri Krishna, the founder of Sanatan Dharma, the Prime Minister said, according to Hindu scriptures, Sri Krishna was born on the eighth day (Ashtami) of the Krishna Paksha, or the dark fortnight.

Sri Krishna, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu, was born in Mathura around 5,500 years ago at a time when the city was ruled by the cruel, wicked, and tyrannical ‘Kansa’.

“Kansa fell after the advent of Sri Krishna. Hindus believe that one of Sri Krishna’s principal missions was to vanquish evil and uphold righteousness,” he said.

Photo: PMO

Extending Janmashtami greetings to the Hindu community, the Prime Minister said, “This country belongs to you, me, and all of us. As citizens, we all have equal rights in this country. Every citizen has a fundamental constitutional right to lead life according to their respective religious beliefs and culture.

 “The government as well as BNP believes that ‘religion belongs to individuals, while the state belongs to all,'" said the Prime Minister.

He said, “Everyone has the right to security, regardless of religion. On the occasion of Janmashtami, I call upon everyone to further strengthen the bonds of religious harmony, tolerance, mutual respect and goodwill.” 

He further said the next major religious and social festival, Durga Puja, is approaching after Janmashtami. 

“I urge you to celebrate all your festivals peacefully, comfortably, and safely. Along with extending my greetings on Janmashtami, I also convey my advance greetings for Durga Puja,” he said.

The programme was organised by the Prime Minister’s Office on the occasion of Janmashtami. It began with a recitation from the Gita.

Earlier, Culture Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, on behalf of the Hindu community, greeted the Prime Minister with flowers. 

In return, the Prime Minister presented a floral bouquet to the Hindu community, which was received by parliament member Subarna Shikdar Thakur on its behalf.  

The Prime Minister distributed honorariums among nine priests and Sebaits at the programme. 

The honorarium was simultaneously sent to the bank accounts of priests and Sebaits across the country through electronic fund transfer (EFT).  
 
The Hindu community will celebrate the auspicious birthday of Lord Sri Krishna on Friday. 

On the eve of the festival, the Prime Minister exchanged greetings with prominent members of the Sanatan faith.

The programme was moderated by Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarker. 
 
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Public Administration Md Ismail Zabihullah, Religious Affairs State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser Lincoln, CPD  Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice Chairman Tapan Chandra Majumder, Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary and Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, Swamibag ISKCON President Srimat Bhaktimaya Nitai Swami and BNP Assistant Secretary for Religious Affairs Amalendu Das Apu also spoke at the programme.

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Law Minister Md. Asaduzzaman, Civil Aviation Minister M. Rashiduzzaman Millat, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, State Minister for Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad , BNP Standing Committee Members Aman Ullah Aman and Farhad Halim Donar, BNP Vice President Barkat Ullah Bulu, Gono Forum President Subrata Chowdhury and leaders of the Hindu community were present.