Published: 12:14 AM, 05 September 2026
Govt ensures freedom of religion for all: Home Minister
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Friday said the government has succeeded in ensuring freedom of religion for people of all faiths during its first six months in office.
He came up with the remarks as chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the historic central Janmashtami procession organised by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, at the premises of Shri Shri Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital.
The minister called on members of the Hindu community to identify themselves as citizens of Bangladesh instead of identifying themselves as members of a minority.
Salahuddin Ahmed said, "We have ensured religious practices and freedom for all religions over the past six months since coming to office. This is visible. Everyone should live in Bangladesh as equal citizens regardless of their religious identity."
Referring to the Constitution, the minister said the state is obligated to ensure religious freedom for every citizen and that no discrimination can be made on the basis of religion.Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee President Gopal Chandra Debnath presided over the programme, while Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Bir Muktijoddha Md Abdus Salam attended the procession by lighting a ceremonial lamp.
Bijon Kanti Sarker, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (status of State Minister), on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs and lawmaker from Dhaka-07 constituency Hamidur Rahman were present there as guests of honour.
