Yunus envisions a Bangladesh where religious festivals require no ‘security cordon’

No matter the religious or ideological differences, the state has no right to discriminate among citizens, he says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has outlined his vision of a Bangladesh where religious festivals do not require extensive security arrangements.

"We don't want to practise our religion under a security cordon. We want to freely practise our respective religions as citizens. We must ensure this right," he said.

The chief advisor made these remarks on Tuesday at a greeting-exchange meeting with Hindu devotees and community leaders at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, according to state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

He had earlier visited the temple premises ahead of the Durga Puja, the biggest annual festival for Bengali Hindus.

The interim prime minister said every citizen of Bangladesh is entitled to equal dignity, and no one should be deprived on the basis of their religion, beliefs, or economic status.

"We are all members of the same family. Within a family, there may be differences of opinion or variations in behaviour, but the family bond is unbreakable entity… our goal is to stand united as one unbreakable family as a nation," he said.

Whatever the religious or ideological differences may be, the state has no right to discriminate among citizens, he said, adding the state is duty-bound to ensure equal dignity for all.

"Whatever faith or ideology one follows, whether rich or poor, every person is first and foremost a citizen. All rights of citizens are guaranteed in the Constitution."

Noting that the state has already outlined the rights of every citizen, he said no government has the authority to deny anyone those rights, not even in the slightest measure.

"We are citizens -- no discrimination should be practised against us. We must always be vocal in establishing these rights," he added.

Highlighting the importance of citizen rights, Yunus said: "We are repeatedly humiliated, insulted and discriminated against in different ways.

“Why? Because we became hopeless regarding the issue of rights. But we can no longer remain frustrated. The most important goal of the new Bangladesh is to ensure equal rights for all citizens."

Turning to religious freedom, the chief advisor said: "We all want to freely practise our religious faith as citizens. We must guarantee these rights."

Appreciating the law-enforcing agencies for properly committing their duties during Durga Puja, he said: "But, we have to build such a country where no extra security is necessary for the people to celebrate their religious festivals."

Sharing his personal feelings, Yunus said he did not want to miss the joy of the Durga Puja festival.

"I have to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York as head of government during the Puja days. So, I thought I might be deprived of this joy this year. But I was determined to come here. That's why I came here earlier to share the happiness with you."

This year, Durga Puja will be celebrated at 33,576 pavilions, with 255 of those located in Dhaka city.

According to the calendar, the festival will begin with Maha Panchami on Sept 27, followed by Maha Shasthi on Sept 28, Maha Saptami on Sept 29, Maha Ashtami on Sept 30, Maha Nabami on Oct 1, and Bijoya Dashami on Oct 2.