Jamaat chief calls for joint efforts to protect Hindu citizens’ rights

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman has called on the government and opposition to work together to protect the rights and security of Hindu citizens in Bangladesh ahead of Durga Puja.

He made the call at an exchange meeting with Hindu community leaders at the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition today (14 October).

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Jamaat Secretary General Mia Golam Porwar said Shafiqur Rahman had stressed that people of all religious and ethnic communities were equal citizens, regardless of whether they belonged to a majority or minority group.

The Jamaat chief also called for collective efforts to protect the country’s sovereignty and advance national development, Porwar said.

According to Porwar, Hindu community leaders praised Jamaat leaders and activists for helping protect religious events, puja mandaps and temples after 5 August 2024.

The leaders also raised concerns about problems, discrimination, deprivation and other difficulties faced by their community. Shafiqur Rahman assured them that their concerns would be taken seriously and addressed through joint efforts by the government and opposition, Porwar said. He added that dialogue with Hindu community leaders would continue.

Senior Supreme Court lawyer Subrata Chowdhury, speaking on behalf of the Hindu community, called for people of all religions and political affiliations to work together for Bangladesh’s social, political and economic development.

He said mutual empathy and cooperation were essential to national development and communal harmony, expressing hope that Jamaat-e-Islami would play a meaningful role in that effort.

Other Hindu community leaders stressed that equal rights, security and dignity for all citizens must be ensured in practice. They urged the government and opposition to take joint initiatives to address the problems and grievances raised at the meeting.