DHAKA, Nov.13 (V7N) – Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman said the government wants to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh by rising above communalism, division and divisive politics and establishing humanity, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and justice.
He made the remarks while addressing the annual general meeting and conference-2026 of the Jagannath Hall Alumni Association of Dhaka University as chief guest.
The minister said attempts had once been made to create a perception that the BNP was inherently opposed to followers of Sanatana religion and other religious minorities, but people’s thinking had changed through the 2024 mass uprising. He said members of the Sanatana faith in his constituency had extended overwhelming support to him and voted for the BNP, proving that people are capable of change and that society must move towards progressive thinking.
Describing the BNP’s political philosophy, Asaduzzaman said the party believes in centrist politics—positioned to the right of the leftists and to the left of the rightists—and wants to move forward embracing Bangladeshi nationalism and the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
“Linguistically, we are Bengalis, while in terms of passport colour, we are Bangladeshis. As citizens of this land, everyone has the right to proudly identify themselves as its sons and daughters,” he said.
He added: “There may be differences in our religious beliefs, but the colour of our blood is the same. We grow up under the same light and air, and we all consume crops produced by the soil of the same country. Therefore, our foremost identity is that we are the people of Bangladesh.”
The minister said if Bangladesh remained stable, developed, free from communalism and upheld democratic processes and the rule of law, everyone would benefit. He said the government wants to eliminate the culture of fear and establish democracy, justice and human rights.
He said Bangladesh is witnessing propaganda, misinformation and various forms of hype, and the government would work for the country’s service while remaining above such distractions. “We want to move forward along the path of law and the rule of law. We may make mistakes, become confused or lose our way along this journey,” he said.
Urging intellectuals, thinkers, journalists and distinguished members of society to present accurate information, point out the government’s mistakes and stand beside it in its efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh, he said everyone must remain united against all forms of terrorism regardless of ideological beliefs or political affiliations.
“We are speaking out against arson terrorism and information terrorism. We want a Bangladesh where humanity, rather than divisive politics, will serve as the principal foundation of unity among people. This Bangladesh belongs to everyone who believes in humanity, human development and welfare, and human rights,” he said.
He expressed belief that the people of Bangladesh will reject those who choose the path of fundamentalism and terrorism, adding that the 2024 mass uprising has also shown the way forward.
Recalling his memories of Jagannath Hall, the minister said students, alumni and all others concerned with the oldest dormitory of Dhaka University had played an important role not only in education but also in promoting courtesy, civility, humility and cultural practices. He said the hall had made invaluable contributions to the country in education and culture.
Jagannath Hall Alumni Association President Tapan Chandra Majumder chaired the event. High Court Justice Gobinda Chandra Tagore, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam, Jagannath Hall Provost Prof Debashis Pal, association General Secretary Nibas Chandra Majhi and BNP Assistant Organising Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu also spoke, among others.
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