PM Exchanges Greetings With Buddhist Community

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said the government is determined to ensure the security of every individual, regardless of their party affiliation, religion, or caste.

He put emphasize on the current government's policy is that all citizens—Bengali or non-Bengali, believer or non-believer—shall enjoy equal rights in all sectors.

The Prime Minister made these remarks in a written statement during an exchange of greetings with leaders of the Buddhist community at the Secretariat on Thursday, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima.

During the event, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended his heartfelt greetings to all Buddhists in Bangladesh and across the world. He expressed his hope that this special day of Buddha Purnima would become even more joyful and significant for the community.

Buddha Purnima is the greatest national and religious festival for Buddhists, and it will be observed tomorrow, Friday.

The Prime Minister said, "We know there are many religions in the world, each with numerous followers. Every religion calls humanity toward welfare and has its own established rules and principles. The great Gautama Buddha, the chief spiritual leader of the Buddhists, gave the 'Panchashila' (Five Precepts) to his followers. These precepts involve abstaining from killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxication. Love, non-violence, and compassion for all living beings are the core teachings of Buddhism."

"Our government's primary responsibility and commitment is to build a state and society where every citizen can follow and practice their religious rituals and rights freely and without hindrance. The government is determined to ensure an environment where every person, regardless of party, religion, or caste, can live in peace and security," he added.

Clarifying the government's stance, the Prime Minister said, "The current government does not want to politicize religion. We do not want to use religion for political interests, nor have we done so in the past. Our government's perspective—as the Home Minister mentioned earlier and I wish to reiterate—is: Religion is personal, but the right to security belongs to everyone. It is our policy that everyone, regardless of faith or ethnicity, enjoys equal rights."

The Prime Minister further noted, "A key political philosophy of the current government is 'Bangladeshi Nationalism.' It has been proven repeatedly in Bangladesh that only the philosophy of Bangladeshi Nationalism can ensure the close coexistence of all castes, religious communities, and ethnic groups. Therefore, never consider yourselves as minorities. The state belongs to me, to you, and to all of us. Every citizen’s identity is the same: 'We are Bangladeshi'."

The ceremony was attended by Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Religious Affairs Minister Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Minister Dipen Dewan, State Minister Mir Helal Uddin, the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Ethnic Minority Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Bandarban Member of Parliament Saching Prue Jerry, BNP-nominated reserved women's seat candidate from the Hill Tracts Madhabi Marma, and Dr. Sukomal Barua, among others.

During the event, a commemorative crest and a replica of a Buddha statue were presented to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Buddhist community.