Desk Report:
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has stated that while religion is a personal matter, our primary and singular identity is that we are citizens of Bangladesh. Instead of allowing religious identity to create divisions, everyone must unite to build a beautiful, prosperous, and self-reliant Bangladesh.
He made these remarks on Tuesday night (October 20, 2026) while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at the JM Sen Puja Mandap in Rahmatganj, Chattogram. On this occasion, the Prime Minister extended his best wishes to the Hindu community for the Sharadiya Durga Puja festival.
The Prime Minister said, “Regardless of the religion we may follow—which is a personal matter—our sole identity is that we are citizens of Bangladesh.”
Reflecting on the Great Liberation War of 1971, he noted that the people of Bangladesh fought by risking their lives. At that time, religious identity was never a consideration for those who participated in the struggle or those who made the ultimate sacrifice as martyrs; everyone recognized that they were fighting for the nation’s independence.
Referring to the mass uprising of July–August 2024, Tarique Rahman pointed out that the students and the general public ousted the autocracy. No one asked about the religious identity of those who were struck by bullets. Therefore, there should be no division in the name of religion in the Bangladesh of the future.
The Prime Minister emphasized, “This country is yours, this country is mine—it belongs to all of us.” He underscored the importance of moving the nation forward through the equal participation and cooperation of people from all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians.
Seeking the cooperation of all in governing the country, Tarique Rahman stated that the current government looks forward to the support of people from every religion to build a beautiful and self-reliant Bangladesh. He stressed that the nation must advance along the path of development and progress by bringing everyone together, regardless of their religion or background. Speakers at the event included BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, Standing Committee member Gayeshwar Chandra Roy, Minister of Finance and Planning Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Minister of Home Affairs Salauddin Ahmed, Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury, and Bijon Kanti Sarkar—who serves as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Chairman of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front.
Also present on the occasion were the Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Saching Pru, Minister of Water Resources Shahiduddin Chowdhury Annie, State Ministers Mir Shahe Alam and Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, as well as various Members of Parliament representing the city and district of Chittagong.
