Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus has urged religious leaders in Bangladesh to remain vigilant about foreign media’s misreporting on religious persecution in the country.
“Foreign media claim that attacks and harassment of religious minorities are ongoing in Bangladesh. However, upon investigating, I find this is not true. There is a significant gap in the information they present. This needs to stop,” Prof. Yunus stated during a meeting with religious leaders at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday (December 5).
The meeting aimed to foster national unity against Indian media’s alleged misreporting on religious persecution in Bangladesh.
Prof. Yunus also sought the cooperation of religious leaders in gathering accurate information if any incidents of attacks on minorities occur. “I invited you to this dialogue to discuss how we can safely collect and verify such information without endangering those who report it,” he said in his opening remarks to the faith leaders.
Upon his return to Dhaka on August 8, following the July revolution, Prof. Yunus had emphasized unity, saying, “We are all part of the same family, despite our differing opinions. We are not enemies; we are all Bangladeshis.”
He expressed sadness over the emergence of concerns about minority repression after the formation of the interim government. Referring to his visit to the Dhakeswari Temple during Durga Puja, he highlighted how the festival was celebrated with joy and inclusivity, becoming a national event.
However, he noted that new reports of attacks on minorities have surfaced in foreign media. “There is a disconnect between the reality and the stories published by foreign outlets. We need accurate information and a system to gather it effectively,” he said.
Prof. Yunus reaffirmed that all citizens of Bangladesh have equal rights under the constitution and it is the state’s duty to ensure these rights. If any attack on minorities occurs, he stressed the importance of collecting information promptly and ensuring justice for the victims.
He also called for proactive measures to prevent such incidents and to create an environment where everyone feels safe. “I believe most people in Bangladesh share these views,” he added.
Leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Christian, and Buddhist communities participated in the dialogue, contributing to the discussion on fostering unity and addressing the issue of minority rights.
BDST: 2011 HRS, DEC 05, 2024
MSK
