United News of Bangladesh

The people are enjoying the highest level of religious freedom in Bangladesh, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam said on Monday. He made the remark during a meeting with a delegation from the US Commission on International Religious Freedom at the Industries Ministry. Highlighting the country’s long-standing tradition of Muslim-Hindu coexistence, Mahfuj said, "At present, no citizen in Bangladesh faces discrimination based on religion. People of all faiths are enjoying equal rights." He said that the government is fully committed to supporting the peaceful celebration of religious festivals across all communities. The Adviser also mentioned that there have been no incidents of minority oppression in recent months and assured that the government has taken a firm stance against such occurrences. Religious harmony will not be politically exploited: Sports Adviser "There are malicious efforts by certain quarters spreading propaganda that minorities are oppressed in Bangladesh. It is important for everyone to stand against such false narratives," he asserted. Mahfuj Alam further added that some minority communities consider themselves aligned with the Awami League (AL) and continue to support the party, which he described as very unfortunate. He also sought cooperation of people from all sectors in the ongoing process of national reconstruction. Adviser Nahid emphasizes govt’s strict security measures for Durga Puja, calls for religious harmony The event was attended by Stephen Schneck, Chairman of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Megan Boldin, Chargé d'Affaires of the US Embassy in Dhaka; Eric Gillan, Political and Economic Counselor; and Sima Hasan, Senior Policy Analyst of the Commission.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Monday said they are committed to safeguarding the religious freedom of every citizen of the country. He said this when Stephen Schneck, Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), met him at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday. Their discussions encompassed the state of religious freedom in Bangladesh, the July 2024 uprising, the interim government's reform agenda, proposed constitutional amendments and the ongoing Rohingya crisis. Will feel guilty if we can't arrange fair polls: Prof Yunus  Prof Yunus underscored the significant role of religion in Bangladesh and reaffirmed the government's dedication to ensuring religious harmony in the country of 171 million people. Regarding allegations of violence against minorities, Dr Yunus emphasised the interim government's commitment to transparency by inviting journalists worldwide to visit Bangladesh and assess the situation firsthand. "Any journalists can visit Bangladesh anytime. Many have visited the country since the uprising," he said. Prof Yunus expressed concern over orchestrated disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the July uprising and undermining minority rights in the subsequent months. He highlighted massive efforts from external sources, including media from the South Asia region, to portray the uprising as an Islamist extremist movement. "We are striving hard to build religious harmony in the country," he noted, adding that violence targeting the minorities in the South Asia region and the genocide in Palestine exacerbated tensions domestically. Oli, Manna, other political leaders hold talks with Prof Yunus Schneck enquired about the activities of the reform commissions and the proposed constitutional changes following the uprising. Prof Yunus stated that any constitutional amendments would uphold religious freedom and minority rights in Bangladesh. "The consensus-building commission is holding dialogue with political parties over the proposed amendments. Minorities will continue to enjoy the same rights as the majority Muslim population," he assured. The Chief Adviser sought support from the USCIRF to highlight the plight of the Rohingya people and their prolonged persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State. He mentioned that the United Nations is scheduled to hold a special session on the Rohingya issue in September, following his request. "We need to resolve the crisis -- the sooner, the better. An angry young generation is growing up in the Rohingya camps. We need to provide them a hope," Yunus said.