Tarique Rahman: 'Beliefs Are Personal, but the State Belongs to Everyone'

Tarique Rahman, the Acting Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), emphasized in a recent statement that “One’s political affiliation, belief, or religion is personal, but the state belongs to all, and everyone has the right to security.” Rahman shared the message on his verified Facebook page during the Durga Puja festivities, posting a photograph of people from different religious communities.

In a reflection on the core ideals of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, Rahman noted, “The essence of the Liberation War was rooted in equality, human dignity, and social justice. Irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or ideology, the freedom fighters sacrificed countless lives so that every citizen could freely enjoy their religious, political, cultural, and social rights. During that time, distinctions between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian were irrelevant.”

Rahman elaborated on the BNP’s political vision, stressing the importance of equal rights for all citizens. “Our policy is simple: every citizen of this country will enjoy equal rights and freedom. We believe that one’s political affiliation, belief, or religion is a personal matter, but the state is a shared entity, where security is a universal right. Whether Bengali or non-Bengali, believer or non-believer, reformist or traditionalist, our common identity is as Bangladeshis. This country belongs to all of us.”

He also rejected the idea of dividing people into religious or ethnic majorities and minorities, asserting that such distinctions have no place in a free and independent Bangladesh.

Durga Puja, the most significant festival for Bangladesh’s Hindu community, is being observed under unusual circumstances this year. In the wake of devastating floods, many within the community have opted to scale back the celebrations, diverting funds toward flood relief efforts. However, isolated incidents of vandalism have occurred, with reports of idols being damaged in some areas. In Sujanagar, Pabna, a member of the Awami League’s youth wing, Jubo League, was arrested in connection with the destruction of a Durga idol.