No majority-minority divide, people of all faiths are equal citizens: Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaysar Kamal has said that the constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every citizen the freedom to practise their religion and equal rights. In his words, there is no majority-minority division in this country; people of all faiths are equal citizens.

He made the remarks on Thursday (November 5) during a courtesy meeting with Dr Charles Reed, Foreign Policy Adviser of the Church of England, at the Deputy Speaker's office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka.

Kaysar Kamal said members of parliament have an important role in upholding religious harmony, mutual respect and tolerance. A parliamentary caucus on the issue, he said, would help MPs hold subject-based discussions, exchange experience and formulate policy, and would make it possible to strengthen mutual respect and religious harmony among people.

He said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, where people of all faiths celebrate their religious festivals in an atmosphere of harmony and cordiality. Ensuring every citizen's religious freedom and equal rights is the responsibility of the state, he added.

The Deputy Speaker also said that in the current parliament, the opinions and voices of all MPs are being given importance. The reflection of differing views in parliament enriches democratic practice, he said, adding that they want to build a Bangladesh where every person can live in peace and freely hold and practise their own religious beliefs and views.

During the meeting, Dr Charles Reed and the representatives of the British High Commission praised the government's cooperation and security measures during the recently held Durga Puja in Bangladesh. They said the government's sincere initiative in celebrating Durga Puja in a peaceful and festive atmosphere was commendable, and that such initiatives help strengthen religious freedom and communal harmony.

The representatives expressed interest in playing an effective role at the parliamentary level to promote freedom of religion or belief, human rights, mutual respect and tolerance. To that end, they exchanged views with the Deputy Speaker on forming a parliamentary caucus on freedom of religion or belief in the Jatiya Sangsad.

British High Commission Governance Adviser Shahnaaz Karim, Social Development Adviser Tahera Jabeen, National Coordinator of the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) project Ruhi Naz and Senior Programme Manager Shashanka Baran Roy were present at the meeting.