'Bangladesh belongs to everyone, live here without fear': Army chief tells Hindus

Armed forces' chiefs commence the Janmashtami procession by lighting a ceremonial lamp

Bangladesh Army chief has called for harmony among all faiths, assuring the Hindu community that they can live and celebrate their religious festivals in peace.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while inaugurating the Janmashtami procession at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, alongside the heads of the Navy and Air Force, who lit the ceremonial lamp.

“You will live in this country without fear, and you will celebrate your religious festivals with joy,” he told the Hindu faithful.

Calling on all citizens to preserve interfaith unity, he said: “For centuries, Hindus and Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, hill people and Bengalis -- everyone has lived here together in peace and harmony. On this day, we must renew our pledge to maintain that fraternity and that atmosphere of goodwill at all times. This country belongs to everyone, and here we shall all live together in peace.”

The Army chief stressed that there must be “no divisions” among people of different faiths, races, or communities.

“This country is for all. We are all citizens of this nation, and we all have equal rights over it. That is how we wish to build a brighter future,” Gen Waker added.

Expressing gratitude to the Hindu community for including others in the festivities, he said: “Music is playing here, and I am thankful to you for sharing this joy with us. You will live here without fear, and you will celebrate your religious festivals happily. We will share this joy together.”

He added: "I hope this festival will continue every year, and this procession will continue every year. From our side, whatever help and cooperation you need, you will receive.”

The procession started from the Palashi intersection and travelled through different roads of the capital before ending at Bahadur Shah Park in Old Dhaka.