All religious communities enjoy equal rights in Bangladesh: Info minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Friday that citizens of all religious faiths in Bangladesh enjoy equal rights, emphasising that the country's constitution leaves no scope for discrimination or division based on religion.

"Sanatan believers enjoy the exact same rights as Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists in this country. Our constitution does not divide people on the basis of religion. Those who attempt to create division in the name of religion or politics are enemies of the nation, enemies of religion, and enemies of the Almighty," he said.

The minister made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at a discussion organized on the occasion of Sri Sri Jagannathdev's Ulto Rath Yatra at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital.

Swapon highlighted that the Sanatan faith represents a thousand-year-old heritage and history bears witness to its long-standing continuity.

"Throughout human civilization, spiritual leaders across all faiths are striving to reach the Almighty. True believers respect and revere followers of other faiths because everyone is ultimately seeking the same Supreme Power, regardless of the ritual or path they follow," he added.

The minister urged everyone to stay vigilant against forces attempting to exploit religious sentiments for narrow political gains or societal division, both domestically and regionally.

"Staying firm in one's own faith while showing deep respect to other faiths to ensure peaceful coexistence is the true essence of a non-communal and inclusive society," Swapon stressed.

He further underscored that under the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism -- as outlined by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -- no division based on religion, caste, language, or geography will be tolerated.

Inaugurating the event, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam stated that Bangladesh belongs equally to all communities.

"Those who seek to undermine communal harmony do not truly believe in Bangladesh's sovereignty. People of the Hindu faith fought alongside us during our Liberation War, and this nation was achieved through shared sacrifices. There is no scope for anyone to be considered a second-class citizen here; every citizen shares equal rights," Salam noted.

Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar also spoke on the occasion as special guest.