Asaduzzaman pledges inclusive Bangladesh rooted in democracy, justice, humanity
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman today said the government wants to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh by rising above communalism, division and divisive politics and establishing humanity, democracy, human rights, the rule of law and justice.
"At one point, attempts had been made to establish a perception in society that the BNP was inherently opposed to followers of Sanatana religion and other religious minorities. However, over time, people's thoughts and perspectives had changed through the mass uprising of 2024," he said.
Asaduzzaman was addressing the annual general meeting and conference-2026 of the Jagannath Hall Alumni Association of the Dhaka University as the chief guest.
"Members of the Sanatana faith in my constituency had extended overwhelming support to him and voted for the BNP. This proves that people are capable of change and that society must move towards progressive thinking," he said.
"We belong to the BNP and are involved in politics. We believe in centrist politics, positioning ourselves to the right of the leftists and to the left of the rightists. We want to move forward embracing Bangladeshi nationalism and the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman," he described the political philosophy of BNP.
"Linguistically, we are Bengalis, while in terms of passport colour, we are Bangladeshis. As citizens of this land, everyone has the right to proudly identify themselves as its sons and daughters," he observed.
"There may be differences in our religious beliefs, but the colour of our blood is the same. We grow up under the same light and air, and we all consume crops produced by the soil of the same country. Therefore, our foremost identity is that we are the people of Bangladesh," he said.
He further said if Bangladesh remained stable, developed, free from communalism, and upheld democratic processes and the rule of law, everyone would benefit.
The government wants to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh by eliminating the culture of fear and establishing democracy, justice and human rights, he said.
The minister said Bangladesh is witnessing propaganda, misinformation and various forms of hype. The government would work for the service of the country, keeping itself above such distractions, he said.
"We want to move forward along the path of law and the rule of law. We may make mistakes, become confused or lose our way along this journey," he said.
Calling upon intellectuals, thinkers, journalists and distinguished members of society, he urged them to present accurate information, point out the government's mistakes and stand beside it in its efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous Bangladesh.
He said that regardless of ideological beliefs or political affiliations, everyone must remain united against all forms of terrorism.
"We are speaking out against arson terrorism and information terrorism. We want a Bangladesh where humanity, rather than divisive politics, will serve as the principal foundation of unity among people. This Bangladesh belongs to everyone who believes in humanity, human development and welfare, and human rights," he said.
He expressed his belief that the people of Bangladesh will reject those who choose the path of fundamentalism and terrorism.
"The mass uprising of 2024 has also shown us the way forward," he added.
Recounting his memories of Jagannath Hall, the minister said the students, alumni and all other concerned of this oldest dormitory of the premier Dhaka University had played an important role not only in education but also in promoting courtesy, civility, humility and cultural practices.
He said Jagannath Hall played a vital role in the fields of education and culture and made invaluable contribution to the country.
Jagannath Hall Alumni Association President Tapan Chandra Majumder chaired the event.
High Court Justice Gobinda Chandra Tagore, DU Vice-Chancellor Prof ABM Obaidul Islam, Jagannath Hall Provost Prof Debashis Pal, associations' general secretary Nibas Chandra Majhi, BNP assistant organising secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu, also spoke, among others.
