No one should be discriminated against because of religious identity: President
Collected Photo
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that 'Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens.'
The president made the remarks at Bangabhaban on Tuesday when a 25-member delegation led by Auxiliary Bishop Subrata B. Gomes of the Dhaka Catholic Archdiocese met with him, according to the President’s Office.
The president said Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens and that everyone is equal here. He said it is extremely important to ensure that no citizen is deprived or discriminated against because of their religious identity.
“We do not want division or communalism in the name of religion. We also never want authoritarianism and fascism to return,” he said, calling for the development of a social movement to prevent this.
The delegation from the Dhaka Catholic Archdiocese raised various issues concerning the Christian community with the president and sought his cooperation on those matters.
The president said the Christian community in Bangladesh has long made important contributions in various fields, including education, health care and social services. He said educational institutions such as Holy Cross, St. Gregory’s, St. Joseph’s and Notre Dame have played important roles in maintaining the standard of higher education in the country and developing human resources.
“Everyone must work together to preserve the long tradition of mutual empathy and harmony among the people of Bangladesh. At the same time, initiatives must be taken to preserve the languages, cultures and traditions of different communities,” he said.
The president said the doors of Bangabhaban are always open to all citizens of Bangladesh. He urged representatives of the Christian community to remain in contact with him regarding any reasonable concerns or issues they may have.
Among those present at the meeting were Miz Anna Minj, senior vice chairperson of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust and a member of parliament from a reserved seat for women; Father Hemonto Rosario, CSC, principal of Notre Dame College; Father Charles, vice chancellor of Notre Dame University; Sister Shikha Gomes, CSC, principal of Holy Cross College; and Advocate John Gomes, vice chairman of the Christian Religious Welfare Trust.
The president’s military secretary, secretary and press secretary were also present.
