"People of all faiths—Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian—are united in their vision of building a prosperous and beautiful Bangladesh, says the Army Chief"

On Friday, Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman highlighted the shared aspiration among people of all religions—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians—to create a beautiful and prosperous Bangladesh. “Together, individuals from all faiths, races, and communities want to contribute to a harmonious Bangladesh. We seek a peaceful life and a prosperous future for our nation,” he stated.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman made these remarks while addressing the Kothin Chibor Dan program and the National Buddhist Grand Conference as the chief guest at the International Buddhist Monastery in Merul Badda, Dhaka.

Recalling an example of interfaith harmony, the army chief shared, “When the azan sounded from a nearby mosque, Buddhist leaders suggested we pause our event to show respect until it finished. This level of mutual respect and understanding is truly remarkable.” He acknowledged the gathering of Buddhist devotees from across the country, encouraging them to freely observe their religious ceremonies in peace and assured them of continued support, as previously provided during Durga Puja celebrations.

Noting that Buddhism emphasizes peace and harmony, he added, “Bangladesh has a deep-rooted tradition of religious coexistence. Hinduism originated here, followed by Buddhism 2,500 years ago, then Christianity, and finally Islam. We aim for peaceful coexistence among these major faiths, fostering solidarity and support whenever challenges arise, and building a nation grounded in harmony.”

Several diplomats from foreign missions in Dhaka were present, including the Thai ambassador, who contributed to the construction of Buddhist temples in Bangladesh, as well as the ambassadors of Vietnam and Australia, whom he thanked for their support of Bangladesh’s peaceful ethos.

Referring to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) districts, General Waker-Uz-Zaman acknowledged the region’s need for greater peace and unity. “We aim to create a supportive environment where Bengalis and hill communities can live together in harmony,” he said, sharing his personal connection with the CHT from a previous posting there. He expressed a commitment to preserving the diverse languages and cultures of the hill communities, recognizing them as national assets.

He also mentioned the potential for developing the CHT’s scenic landscapes into tourist attractions and emphasized the importance of establishing educational and healthcare institutions for local residents, empowering them to thrive locally and beyond.

The event was presided over by Professor Sukomal Barua, chief adviser to the Bangladesh Buddhist Federation, with the ambassadors of Thailand, Vietnam, and the acting high commissioner of Australia in attendance.