Bangladesh army chief’s secular homilies in a wilderness , General Wakar Uj Zaman calls for unity and equal rights for minorities

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 17, 2025

The Bangladesh army chief general Wakar Uj Zaman whose role during the anti-government mob surge in July-August last year is still under a cloud has struck a secular and unifying note in his address to a gathering of Hindus in Dhaka’s iconic Dhakeshwari temple yesterday on the occasion of the Hindu festival of ‘Janmashtami’. He had been invited by the Hindus managing committee of the temple to inaugurate the ‘Janmashtami’ procession . In his address to the gathering of Hindu devotees general Wakar Uj Zaman delivered a message of unity, harmony and equal rights for all citizens of the country.

Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman said Bangladesh belongs to everyone, where people of all faiths and ethnicities have lived together in peace for centuries. He emphasized that there will be no division by race or religion, as all citizens share equal rights and responsibilities.

“Today, thousands of devotees of Lord Krishna are present here. Music is being played, and it is a joy to be part of this celebration. I thank everyone for inviting me to inaugurate this historic procession,” the army chief said.He added: “Let our pledge be to always maintain harmony and fraternity. This country belongs to all. The chiefs of the navy and air force are also present, along with the 9th Infantry Division. Together, we will stand beside you.”

The army chief also said the armed forces, deployed across Bangladesh, will continue working with citizens to ensure they can celebrate religious festivals with confidence.“This procession, once held in the 19th and 20th centuries, had come to a halt but has now been revived. We hope it will continue forever. On behalf of the armed forces, we will extend all possible support,” he concluded.

The ceremony was formally inaugurated with candle-lighting by the chiefs of the three-armed forces. Sources from Bangladesh said that people have faith in the goodwill of the national security forces chiefs but expressed skepticism over political instability and preponderance of fundamentalist forces in the political landscape of the country.

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