Dhaka Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has pledged his unwavering support for a Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of faith, can practice their religion without fear or persecution. In a meeting with Hindu leaders on the occasion of Janmashtami, the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth, Yunus emphasized the importance of fostering a harmonious society where all citizens are equal and their rights are protected.
Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, reiterated that Bangladesh is a single, united family, and the government’s responsibility is to ensure the security and well-being of all its members. He condemned any form of discrimination or violence against any community and stressed the need for justice for all citizens.
The meeting at the Jamuna State Guest House was marked by a sense of unity and shared concern for the safety and well-being of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. Hindu leaders expressed their appreciation for Yunus’ visit to Dhakeswari Mandir in Old Dhaka and his supportive statements, hoping his words would contribute to a peaceful and harmonious society. They also raised concerns about Hindu property grabbing, including the illegal appropriation of temple lands, seeking the Chief Advisor’s intervention.
The meeting comes amidst growing concerns over targeted attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus, prompting condemnation from world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden. Both leaders have emphasized the urgent need to restore peace and ensure the safety and security of all minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.
The Hindu leaders who met with Yunus included prominent figures like Kajal Debnath and Monindra Kumar Nath of Hindu Buddha Christian Oikya Parishad, Charu Charan Brahmachari of ISKCON, Basudeb Dhar and Santosh Sharma of Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad, and Priti Chakraborty of Universal Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka. Their concerns highlight the need for proactive measures to address the issues of religious intolerance and ensure the safety and security of all communities in Bangladesh.
