Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized that there should be no need to identify or divide people on the basis of religion, asserting that every citizen of Bangladesh should be treated with equal dignity and equal rights. "Just as a person's blood does not change colour because of their religion, citizens' rights cannot vary on religious grounds either. If we can value and respect everyone as human beings, only then will it be possible to eliminate communal divisions and discrimination," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the law minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the biennial conference of the Mohanogor Sarbojanin Puja Committee held at the premises of the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital. He highlighted the importance of building Bangladesh as a country where every citizen naturally feels safe and can celebrate religious festivals without fear or disruption.
The minister urged everyone to refrain from using religion for political or electoral gains, advocating instead for politics guided by a commitment to public welfare, development, good governance, and human values. He emphasized that the present government's goal is to create an environment where every citizen can practice their religion freely and without hindrance.
Addressing the issue of encroachment on the land of the Dhakeshwari National Temple, the law minister assured that the government would take necessary steps to recover the occupied property. He stated that no land grabber, criminal, or mafia syndicate would be allowed to retain possession of the temple's property permanently, and assured the authorities of the government's full cooperation in this matter.
The event was also addressed by Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Minority Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Dhaka-7 lawmaker Hamidur Rahman Hamid, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar, its General Secretary Santosh Sharma, Mohanogor Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Dev, its General Secretary Dr Tapas Chandra Pal, and leaders of the Dhakeshwari National Temple Management Committee, among others.