State has no right to discriminate, says Yunus ahead of Durga Puja

DHAKA: Whatever may be the religious or ideological differences, the State has no right to discriminate among citizens, Bangladesh chief adviser Muhammad Yunus said Tuesday ahead of Durga Puja and amid a lingering fear among Hindus since last year’s attacks on members of the community and its places of worship in the run-up and during the festival, reports Ahsan Tasnim.“We, the entire nation is a broader family. The govt is committed to ensuring equal rights and dignity for all citizens,” he said during his visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple to witness preparations for Durga Puja. Nearly 33,000 puja mandaps are expected to be set up across Bangladesh this year. Emphasising the importance of unity to defeat evil forces, he said, “Whatever faith or ideology one follows, whether rich or poor, every person is first and foremost a citizen. Rights of citizens are guaranteed in the Constitution.”Yunus greeted the Hindu community for the festival in advance and said, “We are citizens of this country, and there will be no discrimination against anyone.”