Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman has said that Bangladesh belongs to all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. He stressed that people of all faiths and communities—Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, hill people, and Bengalis—have lived together in harmony for centuries and will continue to do so.
“This country is for everyone. There will be no division based on religion or ethnicity. We are all citizens of this nation, and everyone has equal rights here. Together, we will look forward to our golden days ahead,” the army chief said.
He made these remarks on Saturday (August 16) while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Janmashtami procession at Dhakeshwari Temple in Dhaka, where he attended as the chief guest.
Praising the festive atmosphere, General Waker-Uz-Zaman said: “Thousands of devotees of Lord Krishna are gathered here today with music and celebration. I am grateful for being invited to inaugurate this historic Janmashtami procession.”
Reaffirming the commitment to communal harmony, he added: “Our pledge today should be to uphold peace and brotherhood at all times. The Navy and Air Force chiefs, along with the Ninth Infantry Division, are also here. Together, we will always stand beside you.”
The army chief further noted that the Armed Forces are deployed across Bangladesh to ensure peace and security. “You can live here without fear and celebrate all religious occasions freely. We will share in your joy,” he assured.
Highlighting the values of Lord Krishna, he said: “On this Janmashtami, let Krishna’s ideals spread everywhere. Based on those ideals, we will continue to live together in peace. This procession was once a tradition in the 19th and 20th centuries before it stopped, but now it has been revived. I hope this celebration will continue in the years ahead. The Armed Forces will extend all possible support.”
Later, the chiefs of the three services jointly inaugurated the program by lighting candles.
