BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury. File Photo

CHATTOGRAM, May 11, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury today called upon all irrespective of caste, creed and religion to work together to build a harmonious society and state based on democratic values.

“Majority-minority based abysmal politics will not work in Bangladesh. The country will be run with the participation of every citizen and the identity of every citizen is Bangladeshi. Religion is for its followers, the state is for everyone.

There will be no scope of splitting up the society and state for parochial interest,” he added. 

Amir Khasru made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a ‘Peace rally’ organized by the Sammilita Buddha Purnima Udjapan Parishad on the occasion of Buddha Purnima in front of DC Hill at the city’s Buddhist temple this morning. 

A large number of Buddhist community members including monks, community leaders, female and children with the representation of nearly 61 organizations were participated in the ‘Peace Rally’.

The rally started in front of the Buddhist temple and ended at the same venue after parading different important city streets.

Presided over by Buddha Purnima Celebration Council President Riton Kumar Barua, Ctg city Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain inaugurated the rally.

Referring to the political differences and plot to thwart peace and harmony in the society by a vested interest group, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, "Today’s peace rally with huge participation will must have a positive impact in bringing and marinating peaceful situation in the country's broader political spectrum”.  

“I will have political differences with others, but I have to respect the views of others. Despite being different views, we can walk and work together; we can respect each other’s faith and values. Everyone has to be tolerant”, he added.

Terming today's procession as a symbol of peace, he said the people of this country want a stable Bangladesh.  

“We don’t want any more unrest in the country.

We have seen a lot of unrest for the past 10-15 years that caused devastating effects in all spheres of life-the society, politics, business and everywhere. 

Now time has come to build our society and country based on harmony and tranquillity,” Amir Khasru said.  

He said the message of peace that Buddha Purnima brings is true for all over the world and is more applicable to Bangladesh.

City Mayor Dr Shahadat Hossain said, “In the past, whenever we had to play a role in maintaining communal harmony in Chattogram, we have performed that responsibility with courage.

We will maintain that tradition in the future as well. We will ensure that no one in this city is subject to discrimination due to religious differences.” 

CMP Deputy Commissioner (South) Md. Alamgir Hossain, Japan based worldwide Buddhist Organizations-RKK,s Bangladesh Branch Minister Mr. Mori Masanobu, former General Secretary of City BNP Abul Hashem Bakkar, former Convener of South District BNP Abu Sufian and BNP Chairperson's Foreign Affairs Committee member Israfil Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury among others attended the function.