No majority-minority, we are all Bangladeshi: PM 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged every citizen to rise above divisive identities of majority or minority and embrace a unified national identity as Bangladeshis. Speaking as the chief guest at a Janmashtami greetings exchange and honorarium distribution ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, he emphasized that artificial distinctions based on religion, caste, or political views must not become causes of discrimination. 

The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, bringing together religious leaders and prominent members of the Hindu community.

Reflecting on the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism, the Prime Minister noted that a nation’s true strength lies in its diversity and mutual respect. Drawing parallels from Hindu tradition, he spoke on overcoming fascist oppression to restore democracy and highlighted ongoing efforts to rebuild the country's economy and administration. He warned citizens against malicious actors using social media to spread rumors and incite communal discord, reaffirming the government's strict commitment to ensuring the safety and fundamental constitutional rights of every individual, under the belief that religion is personal, but security is a universal right.

Expressing the resolve to build a prosperous and self-reliant Bangladesh, the Prime Minister stated that ensuring the political and economic empowerment of citizens within the mainstream of state and society is essential. To realize this goal, the current government is implementing various welfare initiatives, including Family Cards, Farmer Cards, Sports Cards, and honorarium allowances for religious leaders and priests of all faiths.

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He further noted that the government aims to establish a welfare state where the nation, according to its capacity and resources, guarantees necessary support to every citizen regardless of religion or caste, while citizens fulfill their duties toward the state. He affirmed that the government operates on the principle that while religion belongs to the individual, the state belongs to all, and the right to security belongs to everyone.

At the beginning of the event, the Prime Minister offered Janmashtami greetings along with advance wishes for the upcoming Durga Puja. He emphasized that every citizen holds the constitutional right to practice their religious beliefs and culture freely. He called upon everyone to maintain religious harmony, tolerance, and mutual respect so that all religious festivals can be celebrated in peace, comfort, and safety.

At the close of the program, the Prime Minister personally handed over honorarium allowance funds to 9 priests and attendants. A total of 73 priests and attendants from across the country, including Dhaka, were awarded this allowance.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman walked directly from the Secretariat to the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Breaking protocol during his walk, pedestrians on both sides of the street waved to greet him, and the head of government warmly returned their greetings with a smile.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury welcomed the Prime Minister at the event. Additionally, Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikoabad), State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kayser, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Md. Ismail Zabiullah, and other high-ranking government officials were present on stage.