Govt committed to safeguarding religious freedom of every citizen: CA

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has said that his government is committed to safeguarding the religious freedom of every citizen of the country.

The Chief Adviser said this when Stephen Schneck, Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), met him at the State Guest House Jamuna on Monday.

Their discussions encompassed the state of religious freedom in Bangladesh, the July 2024 uprising, the Interim Government's reform agenda, proposed constitutional amendments, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis, CA’s press wing sources said. 

During the meeting, Prof Yunus underscored the significant role of religion in Bangladesh and reaffirmed the government's dedication to ensuring religious harmony in the country of 171 million people.

Addressing allegations of violence against minorities, Yunus emphasised the Interim Government's commitment to transparency by inviting journalists worldwide to visit Bangladesh and assess the situation firsthand. 

“Any journalists can visit Bangladesh anytime. Many have visited the country since the uprising,” he said.

Prof Yunus expressed concern over orchestrated disinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the July uprising and undermining minority rights in the subsequent months. 

He highlighted massive efforts from external sources, including media from the South Asia region, to portray the uprising as an Islamist extremist movement.

Schneck enquired about the activities of the reform commissions and the proposed constitutional changes following the uprising. 

Prof Yunus stated that any constitutional amendments would uphold religious freedom and minority rights in Bangladesh. 
The Chief Adviser sought support from the USCIRF to highlight the plight of the Rohingya people and their prolonged persecution in Myanmar's Rakhine State. 

He mentioned that the United Nations is scheduled to hold a special session on the Rohingya issue in September, following his request.