We need accurate info for taking prompt action

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday sought religious leaders' assistance in getting information about attacks on minorities so that the government could take prompt action.

There are discrepancies between the facts and what the foreign media are reporting, he said.

"We want accurate information and want to establish a process of getting the information," he said in his opening remarks at a dialogue with religious leaders at the Foreign Service Academy.

"We are talking about communal harmony. We all agree that we have harmony... Along with harmony, we have fear in our minds too."

— Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus

In case of an attack on minorities, information must be collected immediately to catch the perpetrators, he said.

"We are talking about communal harmony. We all agree that we have harmony... Along with harmony, we have fear in our minds too," he said.

Leaders of Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian and several other religions joined the dialogue. They said they would remain united against any propaganda, and pledged their support for the government and religious harmony. 

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Let’s unite to protect nation’s sovereignty

Amid demonstrations in the capital and different districts over the attack on the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala, Prof Yunus on Tuesday began a series of dialogues.

He met student leaders on Tuesday evening and spoke to major political parties on Wednesday.

After yesterday's dialogue, Monk Sunanda Priyo, general secretary of Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, said, "We are living well in Bangladesh and have no problems. We highlighted the issues we face. What the [Indian] media says or does is their problem, not ours. What we broadcast is more important. We should highlight the positive aspects of our country."

Prof Sukomal Barua, chief adviser to the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, proposed holding an international conference where people of all religions, ethnicities, and communities will participate.

"Diplomatic missions in Dhaka should witness our commitment to peace and harmony. Let the world know that Bangladesh is a nation of unity and harmony," he said.

Abinash Mitra, assistant secretary (religion) at Ramna Harichand Temple, said the chief adviser listened to the grievances of his people.

Leaders from different religious communities pose for a photo with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus after a dialogue at the capital’s Foreign Service Academy yesterday afternoon. Photo: Chief Adviser’s Press Wing

He said those creating divisions are using the propaganda from India. The priest urged the media to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

If there is repression anywhere in the country, it needs to be brought forth to prevent chaos, he said.

Father Albert Rosario of St Mary's Cathedral said if there were any legal avenues, the bail of former ISKCON leader Chinmoy Krishna Das may be considered. "Obtaining bail is the right of all individuals."

There has been provocation by the Indian media after the murder of a lawyer in Chattogram, he said.

"But we have shown patience and upheld harmony. We have all expressed solidarity with political leaders during this difficult time, and we must remain united. Hindus are in pain and agony after the arrest of the ISKCON leader. We told the chief adviser that the grievances of the Hindus must be addressed. We also suggested that the chief adviser meet the aggrieved Hindus who were not present [at the meeting], as they are in distress," he said.

He proposed organising a dialogue to show the world that Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony.

Sajedur Rahman, general secretary of Hefajat-e-Islam, said, "Several non-Muslim brothers have said that there is no persecution of minorities in Bangladesh. The country enjoys communal harmony, unlike neighbouring countries. Even after the killing of Muslims in Chittagong and Faridpur, there have been no riots or unrest. We are united in the country's interest. We will stand firmly against anyone conspiring against the country."

Sheikh Ahmadullah, chairman of the As-Sunnah Foundation, said the country's ulema and religious leaders are responsible individuals.

"Even after the murder of lawyer Saiful, Muslims have shown patience and restraint due to this sense of responsibility … We [people of all religions] are united, and there is no division among us … We conveyed this message."

Priest Khamal Johnson Mree of the Garo community said, "We will resist media outlets spreading propaganda. We support this government."

Sister Reva Veronica D'Costa, student counsellor of St Francis Xavier School and College in Old Dhaka's Laxmibazar, said religious leaders are united in their desire for a harmonious country.

"The media must ensure that no false or misleading news is broadcast. The youthshould live disciplined and patient lives, ensuring their dignity is not compromised."

Mahfuj Alam, an adviser to the interim government, told reporters that the religious groups had extended unanimous support for the government.

India must recognise that the Hasina-led government has committed mass killings, he said.

"Whenever we get the opportunity, we tell India that the coordinated misinformation campaign by the Indian media about Bangladesh must be curbed. It poses a threat to the friendly relations between both countries," he said.

At the discussion with the religious groups, he said, "We sought to convey a message to both supporters and detractors of Bangladesh that the people of this country have reached an understanding from a communal standpoint. The government, formed through the July-August uprising, will work proactively to counter any conspiracies."

The government will not tolerate reckless behaviour, and would focus on building a national consensus.

"If we can unite -- politically and through communal harmony -- no propaganda from abroad will hinder our progress."

Regarding repression on minorities, he said, "Saying it doesn't exist at all would be untrue. When it happens, the media should report the measures the government takes to address it. For instance, after the Sunamganj incident, we took swift action. These efforts should be publicised to assure minority groups that this country belongs to everyone.

"Prof Yunus emphasised that harmony must go hand-in-hand with a sense of security. Citizens should feel free and fearless, and harmony should come naturally, not as a reaction to crises. It shouldn't seem like we only engage with Hindu and Buddhist communities during difficult times."

The interim government urged the religious groups to stand as a unified political community. "This unity will demonstrate our strength to the world and uphold the spirit of the July uprising."

He urged the media to ensure accurate, fact-checked reporting on incidents, so that the government could take necessary action.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also spoke.