Dhaka, Oct 4 (UNI) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday urged the countrymen to abstain from saying anything hurtful to religious sentiments and magnifying any incident that goes against any religion, rather look at the punitive measures taken by the government.
"None can hurt the religious sentiments of any religion. None can say anything hurtful to the religious sentiments. It is applicable to any religion. Because it is one's faith, one's faith in God," she said.
The premier said this while exchanging greetings with the members of the country's Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja on the Dhakeswary National Temple premises. She joined the programme virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Sheikh Hasina said, "Don't magnify any incident that takes place in any area (of the country), rather my request to all of you is to look at the punitive measures of the government against that incident."
She also sought cooperation from all, including the Hindu people, to maintain communal harmony in the country. "I will seek your cooperation in this regard and hope that you will cooperate," she said.
She added that the government always tries to uphold the non-communal spirit or secular character of the country and steps forward toward prosperity and maintaining it.
The Prime Minister warned that none will be allowed to hit anyone’s religious faith, saying that religion is about one’s belief. “It is one’s belief on Allah or the Creator; we have to go with that spirit.”
Keeping this in view, she said that Islam is a very open and generous religion and there are directives in Islam to show respect to all other religions.
Sheikh Hasina also mentioned Surah Kafirun where it is stated that every person will perform their respective religious rites and people from all faiths will enjoy equal rights. “And we believe it from our heart.”
The premier said that the government is always cautious to ensure religious harmony in the country.
She added, “Steps are always taken whenever any accident takes place because we want that all citizens of this country whatever their religion will perform their respective religious ritual equally.”
The head of government expressed deep shock and sorrow at the deaths in a boat capsize in the Korotoa River in Panchagarh where Hindu devotees were heading towards Badheshwar Temple on the occasion of Mahalaya on September 25.
She mentioned that people of the country celebrate every religious festival of all religions in a united way which is very much unique.
“It is our great success that we are upholding this spirit,” she said, adding that there is no scope to undermine others.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, sanctions and counter-sanctions, she said not only the people of Bangladesh but people around the whole world are suffering.
She said that inflation has increased, prices of essential items have increased and developed countries also are struggling.
She requested all to utilize every inch of land for producing something whatever that is.
“Because economic recession is created, I went to the United Nations where I discussed with many world leaders. I also discussed with the UN Secretary General. All are very much anxious and apprehend that there might be a grave famine in 2023 when the economic recession will deepen,” she said.
In this regard, Sheikh Hasina requested all to take preparation from right now.
“We have our people, we have very fertile lands, let not any land uncultivated, produce whatever you can and maintain austerity in using everything including power and water. We have to work wisely considering our future,” she said.
The prime minister called upon the affluent section of the society to extend support to the welfare trusts.
To this end, Sheikh Hasina said that she has established Hindu Welfare Trust and donated seed money to it.
She said that many rich people are there in the Hindu community and they used to spend a lot during Puja and other festivals alongside donation. “If you people donate a portion of your expenditure of Puja or festival to the welfare trust, it might help the destitute people.”
She hoped that they (affluent people) will concentrate to it in future.
The premier said that this call will applicable to people of other faiths - -Buddhist, Christian, Muslim - - also as the government has established welfare trusts for all.
UNI MAZ SHK2242