Militants have no religion, country, border: PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government wants to attain economic development, keeping the country free of terrorism and militancy.
“It’s very unfortunate that terrorism and militancy have now become a global problem. Those who are involved in militancy have no religion, country and border… They’re just militants... We want to keep Bangladesh free from these [menaces],” she said.
The PM said this while speaking at a programme when leaders of the Buddhist community greeted her on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at her official residence Gono Bhaban.
Sheikh Hasina said, “We have to free the country from poverty. Currently, there’s 21 percent poverty and the rate of ultra-poor is 11 percent… We’ll ensure a poverty-free country; the government is working towards that goal,” she said.
The prime minister said the government wants development of all, irrespective of religion and caste. The government believes in communal harmony, she said, adding, “In Bangladesh, people celebrate festivals of all religions together,” she said.
Hasina said the responsibility of the state is to make sure that all people can practise their religions peacefully and freely.
She said, “The Creator will decide what’s good or bad, and what’s right or wrong. The Almighty didn’t give that responsibility to humans.”
The prime minister said the government will ensure that people of Bangladesh can perform their religious rituals with dignity and sincerity.
Former Industries Minister Dilip Barua also spoke at the programme while special assistant to the prime minister, Barrister Biplab Barua, conducted it.
Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs Minister Bir Bahadur Ushwe Singh; State Minister for Religious Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah; Dipangkar Talukder MP; Bandarban Zila Parishad Chairman Kyaw Shwe Hla; Rangamati Zila Parishad Chairman Dhumketu Chakma; Khagrachhari Zila Prishad Chairman Kongjuri Marma; Bangladesh Buddha Kristi Prochar Songha President Sanghanayak Shuddhananda Mohathero; International Buddha Bihar Principal Dhormamitra Mohathero; Shakkyamoni Buddha Bihar Principal Proggyananda Mohathero; Nobo Shalbon Bihar Principal Shilvodro Mohathero; Bangladesh Buddhist Federation General Secretary Sunanda Priyo Bhikkhu; and BSMMU VC Prof Dr Kanak Kanti Barua were also present.
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