Everyone Has Equal Rights Over the Country: Bangladesh Army Chief

Darwin, 17 August — “We all have equal rights over this country,” said Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, adding, “There will be no discrimination based on race or ethnicity here.”

He made the remark on Saturday afternoon while inaugurating the Janmashtami procession at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital, Dhaka.

The Army Chief said, “For hundreds of years, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, hill people, Bengalis, and indigenous communities have lived together in peace and harmony in this country. Today, we pledge to always uphold communal harmony and friendly relations. We will all live peacefully and beautifully together in this country.”

“There will be no division among races or communities here. This country belongs to all. We are all citizens of this nation. We all have equal rights over this land. That is how we envision a bright and golden future ahead.”

This year, for the first time, the heads of all three branches of the armed forces were present at the Janmashtami event.

The Army Chief added, “The Chief of the Navy is here, the Chief of the Air Force is here, the local GOC is here. Together, we will always stand by you. We will work unitedly. Armed forces are deployed across the country. You can live here with peace of mind. Celebrate your religious festivals freely, and we will share your joy together.”

He further said, “On this Janmashtami, may the ideals of Lord Sri Krishna spread from here to everywhere, and may we live together beautifully in this country based on those ideals. I encourage all of you to participate in today’s procession. I hope this procession continues every year.”

At the end of his speech, the Army Chief lit ceremonial lamps along with others. Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and leaders of the Puja Celebration Committee were also present.