Government Wants to Build a Bangladesh of Communal Harmony: State Minister Tuku

State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku has said the government wants to build a Bangladesh founded on communal harmony by overcoming religious divisions and bringing people of all faiths together.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest on Monday afternoon following a visit to Sri Sri Ramakrishna and Panchabati Ashram in Savar.

“This country belongs to all of us. There is no distinction between minorities and majorities. We are all Bangladeshis. Religion is a personal matter, but the country belongs to everyone. Every citizen has the right to security,” he said.

Tuku, who is also responsible for overseeing law and order and development activities in Dhaka district, said the government had increased the allocation for Durga Puja celebrations this year compared with the previous year. He thanked the Prime Minister for the increased allocation.

The state minister said the government had taken all possible measures to ensure the security of every citizen. Members of law enforcement agencies were performing their duties, while leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its affiliated organisations were coordinating with Puja celebration committees to prevent any untoward incidents, he added.

He said Bangladesh did not want people who engage in murder, enforced disappearance and torture.

“We want a peaceful Bangladesh where people work for one another,” he said.

Criticising what he described as fascist forces, the state minister said those who had acted against the interests of the people had been removed from power through a united mass movement.

“No matter how much they threaten us, the people will respond with unity,” he added.

Among others, Dhaka-19 MP [confirm official name and title], Dhaka Deputy Commissioner Farida Khanam, Dhaka District Council Administrator Yasin Ferdous Murad, Additional Superintendent of Police (Savar Circle) Rakibul Hasan Ishan, and Savar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Saiful Islam attended the programme.

Officials from the district and upazila administrations, members of law enforcement agencies, representatives of Puja celebration committees, and leaders and activists of the BNP and its affiliated organisations were also present.