Adviesr to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dr A F M Khalid Hossain, said Bangladesh has historically nurtured religious harmony and goodwill. We are all citizens of Bangladesh, and we study, work, and engage in business and even politics together. Furthermore, the right to practice or observe religion is constitutionally recognized.
Dr A F M Khalid Hossain came up with the assertion while speaking as the chief guest at the event of celebrating the 100th birthday of the 13th Sangharaja of Buddhism Dr Jnanashri Mahathera, organized by the Bangladesh Buddhist Association at the International Convention Center in the city on Monday.
He said that conflict, hatred, and jealousy do not make people great, rather diminish them. So let us join hands and build a discrimination-free Bangladesh together.
After hearing about the issues regarding visa approval for pilgrimages to Bodh Gaya in India from the Buddhist leaders, he said that he would discuss the matter with the Indian High Commission.
He further said that a few miscreants want to disrupt the religious harmony of Bangladesh. They have no religion and are very few in number. They are lurking among us. We must always be vigilant against them.
Professor Dr Sukomal Barua, a recipient of the Ekushey Padak, and Ajit Ranjan Barua, the president of the Bangladesh Buddhist Association and others spoke at the programme as well.
