Kamsa-like fascism defeated, Bangladesh rebuilds: Tarique
Photo: BNP Media Cell
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said “Kamsa-like” fascist has finally fallen, and now the time has come to rebuild the nation.
He made these remarks on Thursday morning at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust jointly organized the event to exchange greetings with the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami and to distribute honorariums among priests and sevayats.
Tarique added that the historic downfall, achieved at the cost of thousands of lives, has paved the way for democracy to resume its journey in Bangladesh. After overcoming a shattered economy, a divided administration, and a deteriorating law and order situation, the focus must now shift to national reconstruction.
He noted that a nation and a society thrive on the confluence of people of different religions and opinions, which represents the true beauty of a diverse society.
Tarique said, “In today’s global village, identity as a minority or majority is not a major issue. Therefore, not minority or majority, let us all think of ourselves as Bangladeshi.”
He added that the political philosophy of the proclaimer of independence, Bangladeshi nationalism, emerged from the realization that party affiliation, opinion, religion, or caste identity should never create division or discrimination among people, keeping all citizens united. The unified and proud identity of all citizens is that they are Bangladeshis.
Tarique reiterated that since time immemorial, people of all faiths, parties, and opinions in Bangladesh have lived together, practicing their respective religions and cultures while maintaining mutual respect, cordiality, and harmony.
However, he warned that from time to time, individuals with Kamsa-like characters have attempted to keep division and conflict alive within the state and society. The need for everyone to remain vigilant so that anti-social evil forces cannot rear their heads again and disrupt the existing harmonious environment. Maintaining mutual cordiality and the bonds of harmony in society is a shared responsibility of all citizens.
Tarique said, “My call to everyone on the occasion of Janmashtami - let us further strengthen our bond of religious harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect and cordiality-harmony. Canvassing to destabilize the country, some are spreading rumors in various ways. Some are trying to instigate people by taking refuge in social media.
“I call upon everyone to keep a watchful eye so that no kind of communal instigation or hatred causes instability in our society. The government is committed to ensuring the security of every citizen.”
Tarique asserted that the political and economic empowerment of citizens is essential to build a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh while consolidating its sovereignty. To achieve this goal, the government is implementing and executing various initiatives, including Family Cards, Farmers Cards, Sports Cards, and honorarium allowances for religious leaders of all faiths.
He added that the government aims to establish a welfare state that will provide necessary assistance to all citizens, regardless of party, opinion, religion, or caste, based on its capability and capacity, while citizens, in turn, perform their civic duties toward the state.
Bijon Kanti Sarkar, the prime minister’s special assistant on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Ethnic Group Affairs, conducted the program.
Key speakers at the event included Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religion Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), Culture Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, PM’s Political Adviser and BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Public Administration Adviser Ismail Zabihullah, State Minister of Religion Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, CPD Fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice Chairman Tapan Chandra Majumder, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Santosh Sharma, Swamibag ISKCON Principal Srimat Bhaktimay Nitai Swami Maharaj, and BNP Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary Amalendu Das Apu.
Other notable attendees included Local Government Minister Abdul Moyeen Khan, Law Minister Md Asaduzzman, Aviation Minister M Rashiduzzaman Millat, PM’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan, Information Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman, State Minister of Water Resources Forhad Hossain Azad, BNP Standing Committee members Aman Ullah Aman and Farhad Halim Donar, Vice President Barkat Ullah Bulu, Gono Forum Acting President Subrata Chowdhury, along with other prominent Hindu community leaders.
