Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury has said that the country must be governed through the inclusive participation of all its citizens, not by the will of a majority alone. He emphasized that every citizen’s identity is Bangladeshi, and regardless of religion, the state belongs to everyone equally.
“Politics based on majority rule will not be sustained in Bangladesh,” he stated. “We must build the nation together, in unity. There is no room for division in this society, in this country.”
Khasru made these remarks on Sunday morning while addressing a rally ahead of a peace procession marking Buddha Purnima, held in front of the Nandankanon Buddhist Temple in Chattogram. The event was organized by the United Buddha Purnima Celebration Council, with participation from 61 organizations.
The peace procession started from the temple and paraded through key areas of the city including Enayet Bazar, Jubilee Road, New Market, Kotwali Mor, Laldighi Par, Andarkilla, and Cheragi Mor before returning to the temple.
Khasru, reflecting on his personal connections with the Buddhist community, particularly in Chattogram, said, “Many of us grew up together, studied together. The message of peace from Buddha Purnima is globally significant, and especially relevant to Bangladesh.”
He added that the country has endured 10–15 years of unrest, leading to social, political, and economic breakdowns. “We want to build a peaceful nation. We no longer want unrest.”
He reiterated that the philosophy of the BNP, rooted in the ideals of the President Ziaur Rahman, is centered on Bangladeshi nationalism—where everyone is equal regardless of religion. “Religion is personal, but the state belongs to all. That is our clear message.”
Acknowledging the presence of differing political opinions, the former minister stressed the importance of tolerance and mutual respect in a peaceful political environment. “Differences will exist, but we must respect one another’s views. Only then can we move forward together.”
Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the event, chaired by former District Primary Education Officer Riton Kumar Barua. Special guests included CMP Deputy Commissioner (South) Md. Alamgir Hossain, RKK Bangladesh Branch Minister Mr. Mori Masanobu, former BNP city secretary Abul Hashem Bakkar, former South District BNP convener Abu Sufian, and BNP Foreign Affairs Committee member Israfil Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury.
Other speakers included Bangladesh Buddhist Association Chairman Ajit Ranjan Barua, Trustee of the Buddhist Religious Welfare Trust and rally coordinator Rubel Barua. The event was moderated by Lion Roni Kumar Barua and Rotarian Sapu Barua.
