Syeda Rizwana Hasan, advisor to the interim government on environment, forest, climate change, and water resources, has stated that while calling for unity is easy, achieving it is far more challenging. She made these remarks during a discussion event held at the Ramakrishna Math and Mission in Dhaka on Thursday evening (March 6).

Speaking as the chief guest, Hasan highlighted the deep-rooted divisions in society, stating, “We create divisions to serve our own interests. Whether it’s siblings fighting over property, social conflicts between the rich and poor, or disputes at the national and global levels, division is a persistent issue.”

The event was part of a seven-day program celebrating the 190th birth anniversary of Ramakrishna Paramahansa and the 125th anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s arrival in Bangladesh. The program, which began last Saturday, concluded on Friday (March 7).

Hasan emphasized the importance of addressing inequality to foster unity, saying, “We are at a time when we witnessed a bloody struggle against inequality in July-August. True unity cannot be achieved while societal disparities persist. We must first eliminate inequality from every corner before we can speak of justice and unity.”

She added, “Our current struggle is a journey toward democracy. We want to see genuine democracy in the country, where everyone’s voice is reflected. As Ramakrishna Paramahansa said, ‘As many opinions, as many paths’—this is the true spirit of democracy.”

Reflecting on the student-led movements of July and August, Hasan praised the youth for their courage, stating, “Students showed us how to face obstacles. They did not tolerate injustice and stood united, even in the face of bullets. We need leadership that prioritizes collective interests over personal gains.”

She urged individuals to strengthen their resolve and set aside personal interests for the greater good of society and the nation. “If we work for the benefit of society and the state, leaving behind personal gains, we can overcome even the toughest challenges and achieve our desired goals,” she said.

The event was chaired by Swami Purnatmananda, the head of Dhaka’s Ramakrishna Math. Other speakers included Dr. Jamila Ahmed Chowdhury, a professor at Dhaka University’s Law Department, and Sonam Saha, an assistant professor in the Development Studies Department.

Hasan’s speech underscored the need for collective action and a shift in mindset to address societal inequalities and build a more unified and just society.