December 6, 2024
DHAKA – Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus today said there is no division among Bangladeshis when it comes to national issues.
He also said his interim government envisions a “New Bangladesh” where everyone can access accurate information.
“We must make this happen,” he said while addressing a meeting with leaders of different religious communities at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
The meeting with religious leaders was part of the chief adviser’s call for achieving national unity amid attempts at what he termed as efforts to undermine his government’s effort to build a new Bangladesh.
Addressing the religious leaders, the chief adviser emphasised the urgency of achieving this goal and said, “We cannot just look to the future; we must take action now.”
Recalling his earlier speech delivered at the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport upon his return to the country on August 8, before taking the oath, Yunus said, “At that time, I said we are one family. We will have diverse opinions, different religions, and various traditions, but we are all members of the same family.”
He reflected on how he had underscored that despite differences, the people of the country are not enemies of one another.
“When it comes to our nationality and identity, we stand united. We are Bangladeshis, members of the same family,” he reiterated.
Yunus expressed his distress over reports of the persecution of minorities after he assumed office. “It deeply saddened me. Soon after, I went to the Dhakeshwari Temple, where I reiterated that we are all members of the same family.”
The chief adviser highlighted his government’s efforts to ensure security during Durga Puja. “It [Durga Puja this year] had turned into a national festival. At that moment, I felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that I had contributed in some way,” he said.
However, he said that new issues involving minority communities have emerged, compounded by discrepancies in media reporting. “This is not right. This must come to an end,” he said, stressing the importance of uncovering the truth amid contradictory information.
In this regard, he sought advice from religious leaders on how to gather accurate information about the issues faced by minorities.
His government, he said, aims to establish a process to ensure accurate and timely information.
“In a large country, anything can happen, but we want to know the truth. We need immediate information so that the situation can be resolved. If someone is guilty, they must be brought to justice; it is the government’s responsibility,” he added.
Yunus further mentioned the need to create an environment where such incidents do not occur. “If they do, immediate action must be taken,” he said.
“As members of the same family, we can take collective responsibility. In this, information and remedy are key issues,” Yunus added.