Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has reaffirmed that differences in opinions and beliefs should not make people adversaries, urging unity and mutual respect among all communities in Bangladesh. He made these remarks on Thursday during an interfaith dialogue at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, which brought together leaders from Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities, as well as scholars, priests, and clerics from various religious institutions.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Yunus recalled his initial appeal for unity following the formation of the current government in the aftermath of the July coup. "I called upon everyone at the airport to remember that we are one family. Despite our diverse views, religions, and practices, we share a collective identity as Bangladeshis and members of the same family," he stated. He emphasized that differing opinions should not lead to enmity, urging people to rise above divisions and work towards common goals.

Dr. Yunus shared his concerns about reports of persecution against minorities, which he learned about shortly after taking office. He highlighted his proactive approach by visiting Dhakeshwari Temple to engage directly with the affected communities. During this visit, he received a set of demands, the core of which centered on equal rights for all citizens, including the right to speak freely, practice religion, and participate in various activities without discrimination. He reiterated his commitment to ensuring these rights as enshrined in the constitution, stressing that it is the state’s responsibility to uphold and deliver these guarantees to all citizens.

Reflecting on the government’s measures to ensure the safety and celebration of Durga Puja, Dr. Yunus expressed satisfaction with the successful transformation of the festival into a national celebration. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, citing reports of attacks on minority communities even after the government's initiatives. He convened the interfaith meeting to address these issues and explore ways to prevent such incidents. He noted discrepancies in reported information regarding alleged attacks, emphasizing the need to bridge these gaps and establish a culture of trust and accuracy.

The Chief Adviser stressed the importance of vigilance and caution against misinformation. He proposed instituting a process to ascertain the factual accuracy of any reported incident, which would enable swift accountability and justice for those found guilty. By ensuring the dissemination of verified information, he aims to foster harmony and prevent unnecessary panic or mistrust within communities.

Dr. Yunus concluded his remarks with a call to action for all stakeholders to collaborate in building a society rooted in equality, mutual respect, and unity. He reiterated the government's commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of every citizen, regardless of their religious or cultural background, and to promoting a culture of inclusivity across the nation.