Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has said that there is no “majority or minority” in Bangladesh.
“We are one nation. Our identity is that we are Bangladeshis. Anyone born in this country is a proud citizen of Bangladesh," he said on Wednesday while addressing a public rally organised by the party's district unit at Panchagarh Sugar Mill ground, reports UNB.
He said the people of a country who cannot remain united cannot stand with their heads held high.
He said, "Bangladesh is a country of harmony. I ask our Muslim brothers and sisters to be kind and not to hurt our brothers and sisters of other religions. we dislike it."
The Jamaat leader also criticised those who label groups of citizens as minorities, saying that they cause the most harm. "They inflict the greatest damage on the wealth, honour, and lives of our brothers."
He called for the publication of a white paper on all the incidents that have occurred in Bangladesh from January 10, 1972, to the present, through a joint initiative between Bangladesh and the United Nations, so that people can know who really killed people, robbed them of their honor, and plundered their wealth.
The Jamaat Ameer said, “India is our closest neighbour, and we have no intention of causing it any unnecessary harm.”
However, he mentioned that India must also refrain from imposing anything that disrespects the people of Bangladesh. "If they do so, we will take the necessary steps in the country's interest without hesitation. Guided by our conscience and sense of responsibility, we will be compelled to fulfill our duty," he added.
He also paid tribute to those who lost their lives during the 15 years of Awami League rule. "We want to build a humane Bangladesh. We no longer want to see Bangladesh ruled by godfathers, godmothers, and the mafia."
He called on women to contribute to the country's development, saying, "Mothers and sisters, you too will play a proud role in the progress of society. The two things you are deprived of today—dignity and security—you will regain."
"Let us build Bangladesh in such a way that, by eliminating all the garbage of the past 54 years, we can become citizens of a Bangladesh where we can proudly say everywhere, whether in the country or abroad, 'I am proud to be a citizen of Bangladesh,'" he said.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
