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Secularism key to an inclusive Bangladesh

Says speakers at a discussion organised by Minority Unity Forum

Bangladesh has failed to become an inclusive state even after 53 years of independence, speakers said at a discussion.

To achieve that goal, we must fall back to the ideals of the Liberation War, they said while speaking at a discussion organised by the Minority Unity Forum on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, titled "Human Rights of Religious and Ethnic Communities: Our Responsibilities."

"The foundation of an inclusive state lies in secularism, equal rights, and the commitment to equality for all citizens," they said.

The discussion was presided over by Nirmal Rozario, one of the presidents of the Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad. A written statement was presented by the acting General Secretary of the Unity Council, Monindra Kumar Nath on behalf of the forum.

Anwar Hossain, professor emeritus of Dhaka University, said, "Our dream was to make Bangladesh a humane state, but this dream remains elusive to this day. The concept of a state religion has done the greatest harm to Bangladesh. Secularism and state religion in the constitution are contradictory."

Prof Hafizur Rahman Karzon of DU said, "The Bengali nation envisioned a secular state through the Liberation War, which is why secularism was enshrined as a core principle in the constitution."

Professor Jobaida Nasreen of DU said, "The persecution of minorities cannot be justified under the pretext of political affiliations. The filing of cases against minority leaders is a tactic to keep them in a state of fear."

The organisers announced that recommendations from the discussion will be compiled into a position paper and submitted to all commissions of an interim government.

Comments

Secularism key to an inclusive Bangladesh

Says speakers at a discussion organised by Minority Unity Forum

Bangladesh has failed to become an inclusive state even after 53 years of independence, speakers said at a discussion.

To achieve that goal, we must fall back to the ideals of the Liberation War, they said while speaking at a discussion organised by the Minority Unity Forum on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, titled "Human Rights of Religious and Ethnic Communities: Our Responsibilities."

"The foundation of an inclusive state lies in secularism, equal rights, and the commitment to equality for all citizens," they said.

The discussion was presided over by Nirmal Rozario, one of the presidents of the Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad. A written statement was presented by the acting General Secretary of the Unity Council, Monindra Kumar Nath on behalf of the forum.

Anwar Hossain, professor emeritus of Dhaka University, said, "Our dream was to make Bangladesh a humane state, but this dream remains elusive to this day. The concept of a state religion has done the greatest harm to Bangladesh. Secularism and state religion in the constitution are contradictory."

Prof Hafizur Rahman Karzon of DU said, "The Bengali nation envisioned a secular state through the Liberation War, which is why secularism was enshrined as a core principle in the constitution."

Professor Jobaida Nasreen of DU said, "The persecution of minorities cannot be justified under the pretext of political affiliations. The filing of cases against minority leaders is a tactic to keep them in a state of fear."

The organisers announced that recommendations from the discussion will be compiled into a position paper and submitted to all commissions of an interim government.

Comments

‘রন্ধ্রে রন্ধ্রে সুশীলতা দিনশেষে আমাদের কাল হয়ে দাঁড়িয়েছে’

‘বর্তমান সরকারের এ ধরনের দয়াপরবশ হয়ে ফ্যাসিস্ট আওয়ামী লীগের নেতাকর্মীদের বিচার কার্যকর করতে স্বেচ্ছায় বিলম্ব করা জুলাই গণঅভ্যুত্থানের সাথে অপমানের শামিল।’

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