Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus has said that despite differences in religion, caste, and opinion, all people in Bangladesh are part of the same family.
“We are not enemies of one another despite our differences,” he made the statement during a meeting with leaders of various religious communities at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.
Addressing concerns about minority rights, Dr Yunus sought advice from religious leaders on gathering free and truthful information about their challenges.
He said: “We must ensure that information is collected safely, without causing embarrassment to those providing it.”
At the meeting, Dr Yunus reiterated the importance of equality, saying: “We are all members of one family, and everyone has equal rights. Those who are guilty must be held accountable for their actions.”
He shared his reflections on the atrocities reported against minorities, noting that when he assumed office, he visited Dhakeshwari National Temple to hear the community’s demands. “Their key demand was equality: the right to speak, the right to practice religion, and the right to work. These rights stem from our constitution, and it is the state’s duty to uphold them.”
Dr Yunus urged vigilance against misinformation, particularly in the media. “We are seeing reports of renewed attacks and torture. Some of this information comes from foreign media. There are glaring gaps in what we know, and that must end.”
Dr Yunus also mentioned the government’s efforts to ensure security during the Durga Puja celebrations, saying: “That event became a national celebration, and I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing we contributed to it.”
He added: “Now, however, we are hearing new reports of attacks and atrocities. Foreign and local media are reporting this, and I am investigating the situation. After looking into it, it seems the situation is not as severe as it’s being portrayed. The reports are inconsistent, and this is not acceptable.”
He stressed the importance of verifying information, saying: “We cannot blindly rely on what we receive. We must investigate the root causes. Is this false propaganda from others, or are we responsible for spreading misinformation? We must uncover the truth.”
The chief adviser called for creating an environment where such injustices cannot occur and establishing immediate remedies when they do. “We can only fulfill our responsibilities as one family if we prioritize accurate information and swift action,” he said.
He concluded with a vision for a better future: “We want to build a New Bangladesh—a nation that ensures equality and justice for all. This is not a matter of rhetoric. It must be done, and it must be done quickly.”
The meeting included leaders from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim communities, as well as representatives from indigenous hill tribes.
Notable attendees included Mufti Abdul Malek, Khatib of the National Mosque, Sheikh Ahmadullah, Maulana Mosaddek Billah Al-Madani, Farhad Mazhar, and Dr Mohammad Manzur-e-Elahi.
Dhaka Tribune
