State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has said Bangladesh has ensured that all people can exercise their religious practices peacefully.
He said: "All religions teach us to practice humanity. Religion keeps people in discipline, show path of a beautiful life and a peaceful society. So, the religious rights of every citizen have been established in the country."
He made the remarks while attending a programme marking Sri Krishna's birthday in Dinajpur on Friday.
Noting that Independent Bangladesh emerged as a secular country under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he further said: "The father of the nation united people of all religion under a single flag which was a symbol of secular ideology."
"We fought the Liberation War with the faith that this country would be the home of people from all religious beliefs. We all fought together regardless of our religious identity and that's why we became successful," he added.
Recalling the role of Bangabandhu in establishing equality in Bangladesh, he said: "The constitution of 1972 contains secular ideology and ensures the establishment of an Ideal society. "
"We lost the path after the brutal assassination of Bangabandhu and his family members. A vested quarter divided people in the name of religion and introduced discrimination and intolerance among them. But, we are fighting against this," he added.
He said the country again started walking on the path showed by Bangabandhu under the leadership of his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. "PM Sheikh Hasina has successfully ensured people’s rights of practicing religion and established a secular ideology among people."
