Google Alert – Bangladesh Army
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman reaffirmed on Saturday that all citizens of Bangladesh are entitled to equal rights regardless of religion or ethnicity.
“Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. There will be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste or creed. We have long lived in peace and amity, and we will continue to do so,” the army chief said while addressing devotees at the inauguration of the central Janmashtami rally at Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka.
The army chief thanked the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee for inviting him to join the celebration.
“This celebration has begun with songs and dance, and I am grateful to be included in it. Thousands of devotees have gathered here today, and we are thankful to share in your joy,” he told the rally.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s heritage of peaceful coexistence, Waker said, “For hundreds of years, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, hill people and Bengalis have lived together harmoniously. Our pledge today is to preserve this environment of unity and to continue living peacefully as one nation.
“This country belongs to all of us. We are all citizens here, and everyone’s rights are equal. That is the vision for the golden days ahead,” he added.
The army chief noted the presence of the Navy and Air Force chiefs at the event and assured that the armed forces stand united with the people across the country.
“The armed forces remain deployed nationwide. You will live without fear and celebrate all your religious festivals with joy. We will share in that pleasure,” he said.
Addressing the occasion, General Waker said the Janmashtami procession was once a major annual tradition in the 19th and 20th centuries but had been discontinued before its recent revival.
Calling on devotees to uphold the teachings of Lord Krishna, the army chief said, “Let his teachings radiate from here to everywhere, inspiring us to live together in peace and unity.”
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said the teachings of Lord Krishna not only inspire courage against falsehood and injustice but also guide people towards righteousness.
Echoing the army chief, he said, “Bangladesh belongs to all of us. It is our sacred duty to safeguard its independence. If we work together, we can establish Bangladesh as a respected nation on the world stage.”
Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan called for strengthening the country through mutual tolerance.
“May Lord Krishna ignite truth and light in society,” he said.
Later, the three chiefs of the armed forces jointly inaugurated the Janmashtami procession by lighting ceremonial lamps.
The colourful rally began at Palashi intersection and will conclude at Bahadur Shah Park in the capital.
Bd-pratidin English/ ANI