Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said there will be no discrimination between religion, caste and tribe in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is a country of harmony. For hundreds of years, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Paharis, Bengalis, and tribal communities have lived together peacefully, he said.

The army chief made the remarks while inaugurating the Janmashtami procession at the Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Saturday.

He further said this country belongs to all of us. “We all are equal and there will be no discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, or tribe. We all have equal rights in every aspect of this nation. That is how we envision a brighter, unified future,” he added.

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Emphasising the role of the armed forces in upholding peace, the Army Chief added, “Our pledge today is to preserve a peaceful and harmonious environment. The armed forces are deployed across the country, and we will always stand by the people and work together with you.”

Addressing members of the Hindu community and other minority groups, he said you have every right to live peacefully in this country and to celebrate your religious festivals with joy. “We will share in that joy with you.”

The Army chief expressed hope that the teachings of Lord Krishna would inspire harmony and unity across the nation. “On this sacred occasion of Janmashtami, may Lord Krishna’s ideals spread across Bangladesh. Guided by those values, let us live together in peace and mutual respect,” he said.

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He thanked the organisers for inviting him to the celebration and praised the spirit of inclusiveness embodied by the Janmashtami festival.

Navy Chief Admiral Mohammad Nazmul Hassan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and other senior military officials, were also present.