Bangladesh’s ours, for all

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said she feels very bad when people belonging to different religions undermine themselves by calling themselves “minority communities”.

“I feel very bad. Why do you [people of Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and other religions] undermine yourselves? Bangladesh is ours, it’s for all,” she said while exchanging greetings with Hindu community members at the green lawn of the Gono Bhaban on the occasion of Janmashtami.

“I don’t know why you repeatedly term yourselves minority. Aren’t you citizens of this state? Aren’t you residents of this country? Isn’t this land your birthplace? This is your homeland,” the prime minister said.

She said every person of this country has equal right to everything. “The Awami League government always thinks that this country is for all. Please don’t treat yourselves as minority.”

Mentioning that this land is for all, Hasina said, “Why don’t you have faith in you? Awami League never sees its people through this dividing attitude,” she added.

She said if capable enough each and every citizen would get equal chance in every sector. “We’re ensuring that. Bangladesh is ours, all irrespective of their religions made sacrifice for the liberation of this country. This country belongs to all.”

Talking about her government’s philosophy of “religion is for individuals and festivals are for all”, the prime minister said people of all faiths had fought shoulder-to-shoulder in 1971 and embraced martyrdom to liberate the country.

Underscoring the need for maintaining communal and religious harmony in the country, Hasina said every religion preaches peace, fraternity and tolerance and it is the important aspect of religion.

About the law enacted by her government for the Hindu community which is similar to “hiba law” of the Muslim community, she said the government formulated it to facilitate the transfer of property of Hindu community members to their close relatives without having to pay any tax.

She extended her greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami, saying Sri Krishna had preached the message of love, justice and affection which all should promote.

Hasina said Lord Krishna was born to establish brotherhood among the people through “checking the wicked and nurturing the goods”.

Among others, Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar, State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and President of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad Milan Kanti Dutta also attended the programme.