In a recent event held on Janmashtami at the state guesthouse Yamuna, Professor Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor to the interim government, reiterated his commitment to safeguard the rights of every citizen in Bangladesh, likening the country to a family.
During the festive exchange with leaders of the Hindu community, Dr. Yunus expressed his vision for a Bangladesh where everyone can freely practice their religion without the need for guards at temples. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure justice and protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion or race.
“The essence of our nation does not allow for any discrimination among its people. Everyone, irrespective of their religious or ethnic backgrounds, must have equal rights,” Dr. Yunus stated, asserting the interim government’s firm commitment to this principle.
The Hindu leaders reciprocated the sentiments, wishing peace, prosperity, and success to the interim government and sought divine blessings from Lord Krishna on this auspicious occasion. They appreciated Dr. Yunus’s recent statements during his visit to the historic Dhakeshwari Temple, praising them as significant steps towards fostering communal harmony and building a non-communal society in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, due to the ongoing flood situation affecting the country, the community leaders announced that this year’s Janmashtami celebrations were scaled down, with resources being redirected to provide food and relief to affected areas.
The discussion also touched on sensitive issues like the occupation of Hindu properties, including lands and temples, which the community leaders brought up during the meeting. They conveyed their concerns about these long-standing issues, hoping for a resolution under the current government’s tenure.
Prominent attendees included Kajal Debnath and Manindra Kumar Nath from the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Unity Council, Charu Charan Brahmachari from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and Basudeb Dhar and Santosh Sharma from the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council.