Chief of army staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said that there will be no discrimination between religion, caste and national minority communities in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh is a country of harmony. For hundreds of years, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and national minority communities have lived together peacefully, he said while inaugurating the Janmashtami procession at the Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Saturday.
He further said that this country belonged to all of us. 鈥榃e all are equal and there will be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste or national minority communities. We all have equal rights in every aspect of this nation. That is how we envision a brighter and unified future,鈥� he added.
Emphasising the role of the armed forces in upholding peace, Waker-Uz-Zaman added, 鈥極ur pledge today is to preserve a peaceful and harmonious environment. The armed forces are deployed across the country, and we will always stand by the people and work together with you.鈥�
Addressing members of the Hindu community and other minority groups, he said, 鈥榊ou have every right to live peacefully in this country and to celebrate your religious festivals with joy. 鈥榃e will share that joy with you.鈥�
He expressed hope that the teachings of Sri Krishna would inspire harmony and unity across the nation. 鈥極n this sacred occasion of Janmashtami, may Sri Krishna鈥檚 ideals spread across Bangladesh. Guided by those values, let us live together in peace and mutual respect.鈥�
He thanked the organisers for inviting him to the celebration and praised the spirit of inclusiveness embodied by the Janmashtami festival.
Navy chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and other senior military officials, were also present.
