Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman yesterday called for the government and the opposition to work together to protect the rights, security and interests of the country’s Hindu community.
He made the call during a views-exchange meeting with leaders of Hindu organisations at his official residence on Dhaka’s Minto Road.
“None of us is a minority or majority in this country. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and ethnic communities are all Bangladeshis and proud citizens of this country,” Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar quoted Shafiqur as saying at a press briefing afterwards.
Shafiqur also said protecting the country’s independence and sovereignty was everyone’s sacred responsibility and urged all citizens to work together for national development and prosperity.
Porwar said Hindu community leaders praised Jamaat leaders and activists for helping ensure security during religious ceremonies and at puja mandaps and temples after August 5, 2024.
They also raised concerns about discrimination, deprivation and other difficulties facing the community, he added.
Representatives of several organisations, including the Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee, attended the meeting.