Dhaka, August 26 – At a rally organized on the occasion of Sri Krishna's Janmashtami at Palashi in the capital on Monday afternoon, two advisors of the interim government, Nahid Islam and Dr. Asif Nazrul, addressed the ongoing issues of religious persecution and political exploitation of minority communities in Bangladesh. They emphasized the new government's commitment to eradicating all forms of oppression and fostering unity among all religious groups in the country.

Nahid Islam, the Post, Telecommunication, and Information Technology and Information Adviser, highlighted the government's goal to end all forms of persecution in the new Bangladesh. "We are one family," he stated. "If one group in this family is hurt, the entire Bangladesh becomes insecure. So everyone should be united. All conspiracies must be stopped." Nahid Islam condemned the political exploitation of minorities, who have often been treated as a vote bank without real support. He emphasized that in the new Bangladesh, these conspiracies will not be tolerated, and all communities must work together to maintain the nation's history of harmony.

Addressing the gathering, Nahid Islam also mentioned that the Janmashtami celebrations this year were limited due to the ongoing floods, reflecting the event's universal spirit. He called for unity and warned that the dream of a new Bangladesh would fail if everyone did not come together as one.

Legal advisor Professor Dr. Asif Nazrul spoke on the common ethical teachings of all religions, emphasizing that no religion supports dishonest actions, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, or the stealing of voting rights. "All religions have the same basic message," he said, underscoring this as a significant unifying element. He recalled that the liberation war was a collective effort by people of all faiths, and in times of disaster, everyone suffers together, just as they share joy together.

Dr. Asif Nazrul criticized those who exploit religious differences for political gain, noting that attacks on Hindu communities have occurred under every government. He questioned whether any such attacks have been prosecuted in the last 15 years and urged the public not to allow themselves to be used as political pawns. "Don't be used as someone's political pole. Instead, politicians will use the pole calculation, whichever party comes to power," he stated.

The legal advisor acknowledged that attacks have occurred at different times, but he urged that the underlying reasons for these attacks be investigated. He argued that any act of violence, even if politically motivated, should not be viewed solely through a religious lens. Dr. Asif Nazrul also called for an end to the use of the term "minority," stating, "There is no majority, no minority in this country. This country belongs to everyone. Everyone has equal rights in this country."

The rally concluded with a call for unity and an end to religious persecution, as Bangladesh moves towards a future that values harmony and equality for all its citizens.