He said these things as the chief guest at a view-exchange meeting and delegates' conference titled 'Ensuring Protection and Security of Minorities' organized by United Sanatan Parishad at the Diploma Engineers' Institution auditorium in the capital on Friday (July 31).
The minister said, people of different religions have been living in harmony on this land for ages. So there is no scope to divide people on the basis of religion. Addressing the Sanatan community, he said, "I never consider you a minority. You are citizens of this country, children of this country."
Mirza Fakhrul said the great Liberation War was a struggle for freedom, dignity and economic emancipation of all people. Holding that ideal, a democratic, secular and humane Bangladesh must be built, where civic identity, rather than religious identity, will be the main foundation of the state.
He alleged that a quarter is trying to destroy the country's communal harmony by using religion. Calling upon all to remain united to resist such nefarious activities, he said there is no place for extremism and fundamentalism in Bangladesh. The government is committed to building a liberal, democratic and harmonious state.
Mentioning that after the government took office, necessary measures have been taken to ensure the security of lives, property and places of worship of people of all religions, he said maximum security has been ensured for the unhindered observance of various religious festivals including Durga Puja and Rath Yatra.
Regarding various demands and problems of the Sanatan community, he said if the issues are presented to the government in an organized manner, the government will sincerely work to find reasonable solutions through discussion and dialogue.
At the end of his speech, Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh must be taken forward upholding its history, the spirit of the Liberation War and the democratic progress. Rather than religious division, the Bangladesh of tomorrow will be built on the basis of mutual respect, harmony and equal rights.
At the event, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury gave the opening speech. In addition, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijan Kanti Sarkar, Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-8 constituency Lutfulahel Majed, and various political and social personalities were present.
