Dhaka, Bangladesh – Interim government’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the vision of building a new Bangladesh where every citizen, regardless of religion or background, will enjoy equal rights. He made this statement on Tuesday while visiting the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital, where he exchanged greetings with the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.

During his remarks, Dr. Yunus stressed that the future of Bangladesh cannot be shaped by divisions among its people. “We do not want a society where people must practice their faith under the watch of security forces,” he said. “Instead, we want a Bangladesh where everyone can freely observe their religious practices and festivals without fear or restriction. If we remain divided, we will fail as a nation. We do not want failure—we want to build a new Bangladesh where every citizen has equal rights.”

The Chief Adviser pointed out that the state itself has a responsibility to ensure that no community faces discrimination on the basis of religion. “Whatever the differences among faiths, the state cannot discriminate against us,” he noted. “The state is obliged to treat every religion with equal dignity and respect.”

Dr. Yunus further highlighted that a nation’s true strength lies in harmony and unity. He called on citizens from all religious backgrounds to join hands in shaping a society that could serve as an example for the world. “We want to build a country that others will look to for inspiration. To fulfill this aspiration, people of all faiths must work together,” he said.

The visit to the Dhakeshwari temple carried both symbolic and practical significance. As the most prominent Hindu temple in Bangladesh, it stands as a spiritual center for the Hindu community and plays a central role in annual religious celebrations such as Durga Puja. Dr. Yunus’s presence at the temple during one of the most important Hindu festivals underlined the government’s intent to strengthen interfaith unity and mutual respect.

After touring the temple, the Chief Adviser joined a greeting session with members of the Hindu community. The event provided an opportunity for dialogue, well-wishes, and a reaffirmation of the government’s commitment to religious freedom and equality.

Durga Puja, which celebrates the victory of good over evil, has long been one of the largest religious festivals in Bangladesh, drawing participation not only from the Hindu community but also from citizens of other faiths who join the festivities in solidarity. In recent years, however, concerns have been raised over security issues surrounding the celebrations. Dr. Yunus’s statement directly addressed these concerns, reassuring the community that the vision of the new Bangladesh will prioritize freedom, safety, and inclusivity over heavy-handed protection measures.

Observers note that the Chief Adviser’s speech reflects both a political and moral message at a time when Bangladesh is undergoing significant transformation. By visiting the temple and speaking about equality, Dr. Yunus sought to reinforce the idea that religious pluralism is not only a constitutional guarantee but also a cornerstone of the nation’s identity and future progress.

The message of unity and equality has been welcomed by members of the Hindu community, who view it as a recognition of their contributions to Bangladesh’s social and cultural life. Many expressed hope that the interim government’s promises would translate into lasting reforms that protect the rights of minority communities and foster a culture of respect.

As Bangladesh continues to navigate political change, Dr. Yunus’s words carry particular weight. His call for a new Bangladesh resonates with a broad vision: a country that upholds equal rights, celebrates its diversity, and builds a future rooted in shared values. The Dhakeshwari temple visit, therefore, was not only a ceremonial gesture but also a declaration of intent for the kind of society the interim leadership aims to build.