Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad on Monday said the government would not tolerate any oppression, injustice, cruelty or torture against minorities or followers of other religions in the country.
“I would even leave the ministry if necessary, but will not tolerate any oppression or injustice against minorities or people of other faiths,” he said while speaking at the ‘BSRF Dialogue’ organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the Secretariat Media Centre.
Replying to a question on the alleged persecution of minority Muslims in India and whether he would raise the issue with the Indian government, Kaikobad said India is a large democratic country and expressed hope that it would ensure equal rights and security for minorities.
“I respect India because it values democracy. But I will respect it even more if minorities there are accepted as part of the nation and provided with proper security and protection,” he said.
He, however, stressed that incidents occurring in India would not be allowed to happen in Bangladesh.
The programme was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Hoque and moderated by its General Secretary Ubaidullah Badal.