Highlights
- Social Welfare Minister Prof. Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain stressed unity among all religions.
- He said all people, regardless of religion, share the same rights and dignity.
- The minister made these remarks at a religious event at a Hindu temple in Hili, Dinajpur.
- He also promised development of mosques, temples, churches, and educational institutions in his constituency.
Minister Calls for Religious Harmony
Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Professor Dr. A Z M Zahid Hossain said that there is no difference between religions and that all human beings are equal. He said people should always remember that everyone’s blood is the same colour, no matter which religion they follow. He said,
“ধর্মের কোনো ভেদাভেদ নেই, মনে রাখতে হবে আমাদের সবার রক্তের রং লাল। সনাতন বলেন, মুসলমান বলেন আর বৌদ্ধ, খ্রিস্টান যা-ই বলেন, সবার রক্তের রং কিন্তু লাল।”
Translation: “There is no difference between religions. We must remember that everyone’s blood is red. Whether someone is Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, or Christian, everyone’s blood is the same color.”
Speech at Religious Gathering in Dinajpur
The minister made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a Haribasar (religious assembly) held at Chandipur Sarbojonin Temple in Hakimpur municipality, Dinajpur, on Thursday night (March 26) at 8 PM. Local Hindu community members welcomed the minister and his wife with flowers when they arrived at the temple.
Message of Equality and Human Dignity
During his speech, the minister said that people should never feel inferior because of their religion or social status. Zahid Hossain reminded the audience that everyone comes to this world alone and leaves alone. he said,
“তাই নিজেকে কোনো সময় ছোট ভাবার কিছু নেই। আসছি যেমন একা তেমনি যেতেও হবে একা।”
Translation: “So, no one should ever think of themselves as inferior. Just as we come into this world alone, we will also leave alone.”
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He also pointed out that the only difference between religions lies in burial or cremation rituals:
“কাউকে কবর দিবে আবার কাউকে দাহ করবে এটুকুই পার্থক্য। এই দেশটা আপনার, আমার সবার। আমার যেমন অধিকার আছে আপনারও তেমনি সমান অধিকার আছে।”
Translation: “Some people are buried while others are cremated — that is the only difference. This country belongs to all of us. Just as I have rights, you also have equal rights.”
Support for Government’s Development Vision
The minister urged everyone to work together to build a better and more developed Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The minister reminded the audience of his election promise to stay beside the people even after the polls and said he is still committed to that pledge. He also congratulated voters on behalf of BNP Chairman and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for electing him.
Development Plans for Religious and Educational Institutions
The minister announced that infrastructure development of mosques, temples, churches, Eidgah grounds, and educational institutions across his four-thana constituency would be given top priority. He said he has already instructed the Hakimpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer to prepare a list of such institutions for development work.
Interaction with Devotees and Local Leaders
After the speech, the minister listened to devotional songs and also heard various problems from local people, offering them advice and support. He was accompanied by his wife Dr. Sharifa Karim Swarna and personal secretary Golam Mostafa Ranju during the visit. Among others present at the temple were:
- Hakimpur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ashok Bikram Chakma
- Circle ASP A N M Niamat Ullah
- Officer-in-Charge Md. Zakir Hossain
- Local BNP leaders and temple committee members, including Alok Kumar Basak Mintu
Source: Kaler Kantho
