Liberation War Affairs State Minister and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain on Friday said Bangladeshi nationalism means ensuring equal rights and dignity for all citizens of the country.
“The government is working to build a Bangladesh where people of all religions and communities, including Hindus and Muslims, can live with equal rights and self-respect,” he said.
Ishraque made the remarks while inaugurating renovation work at Shri Shri Narasingha Jiu Bigraha Temple in Laxmibazar in the capital.
“Bangladesh must be built as a non-communal country. Equal rights and dignity must be ensured for people of all religions and communities, regardless of whether they are rich or poor, Hindu or Muslim,” he said.
Referring to incidents in the past when an atmosphere of fear was created ahead of religious festivals, he said Hindus and Muslims have been living alongside one another for years and generations without any problems.
“Some political parties tried to exploit this issue in the past. If any political party engages in such activities in the future, we will work together with everyone to resist them,” he said.
“The meaning of this nationalism is that all citizens of the country will enjoy equal rights and equal dignity,” he said.
He assured that the government would work to ensure the security of Hindus and Muslims alike and create an environment where everyone can observe their religious festivals peacefully.
Regarding his responsibilities at the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, Ishraque said this was his first term as a member of Parliament and that the Prime Minister had entrusted him with a major responsibility.
“The Liberation War Affairs Ministry is a matter of pride. When we talk about the birth of Bangladesh, we have to talk about the Liberation War,” he said, seeking everyone’s prayers and blessings to discharge his responsibilities successfully.
On the gas crisis, Ishraque said no one in Bangladesh was responsible for the current situation.
“For the past 17 years, Bangladesh was run under an import-dependent energy policy. But no steps were taken to extract the country’s own domestic gas resources,” he said.
He said two rigs had been made operational a few days ago and approval had been given for two more new rigs, which would begin gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal.
“But this process takes some time; it cannot happen overnight. So I urge the people to be a little patient,” he said.
Stressing the need to explore alternative energy sources, Ishraque said special attention should now be given to renewable energy, particularly solar power.
“Although it is not possible to meet 100 percent of the country’s energy demand through solar power, it can be used as backup during peak hours when additional demand occurs,” he said, expressing hope that this would help prevent load-shedding problems in the future.
Ishraque also expressed regret, like the Prime Minister, over the public suffering caused by the gas crisis.
“Efforts are underway to resolve the crisis as quickly as possible and bring people’s lives back to normal,” he said, seeking everyone’s support and prayers.