“We will all live together in peace – hill people, Bengalis, and tribals alike”: Army Chief
PARBATTA NEWS ONLINE DESK
Chief of Army Staff General Waker-uz-Zaman on Saturday said Bangladesh belongs to all communities, and people of every faith and ethnicity have long lived together in harmony.
“This country belongs to everyone. For hundreds of years, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, hill people, Bengalis and tribals have coexisted peacefully in this land. We will continue to live together in peace, without any division of race or religion,” he said.
The army chief was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a colourful Janmashtami procession organised by the Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee at Palashi intersection, adjacent to the Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka.
“We are all citizens of this country, and everyone has rights here. In the same way, we want to see our golden days in the future,” he said, adding that the presence of thousands of devotees, music, and festivities reflected the joy of the occasion. He expressed gratitude for being included in the celebration.
Reaffirming the armed forces’ commitment, General Waker-uz-Zaman said, “Today we pledge to always uphold an environment of harmony and brotherhood. The Navy and Air Force chiefs are also present here, as is the Ninth Infantry Division. Together we will always stand beside you.”
He noted that the armed forces are deployed across the country and would continue working with citizens. “You will live safely in this country and celebrate every religious festival. We will share these joys together,” he said.
On the significance of the occasion, the army chief added, “Let the ideals of Lord Shri Krishna spread everywhere from here. Based on these ideals, we will live together in peace. This joyous procession, which was once held in the 19th and 20th centuries before being stopped, has now resumed. I hope it will continue in the future. On behalf of the armed forces, we will extend all necessary support.”
Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmud Khan said the teachings of Shri Krishna inspire courage against falsehood and injustice and guide people on the path of truth. “This Bangladesh belongs to all of us. Protecting independence is our sacred duty. If we work together, we can establish Bangladesh as a dignified state on the world map,” he said.
Navy Chief Admiral M. Nazmul Hasan called for strengthening the country through mutual tolerance. “May Shri Krishna ignite the light of truth and justice in society,” he said.
The three service chiefs formally inaugurated the Janmashtami procession by lighting lamps. The colourful rally began at Palashi intersection and concluded at Bahadur Shah Park in Dhaka.
