Dhaka: Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Saturday extended greetings to the Hindu community on Janmashtami, expressing hope that Lord Krishna’s teachings would strengthen “mutual goodwill and brotherhood” and preserve the nation’s “communal harmony.”
Yunus’ message comes amid concerns over repeated attacks on members of the Hindu community and their places of worship since he assumed office in August last year.
Quoting state-run BSS, Yunus highlighted Lord Krishna’s values of “devotion to the creator and the establishment of peace in society,” saying they inspire people across faiths. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against attempts to disrupt “order, fraternity, and communal amity.”
Calling communal harmony a “unique hallmark” of Bangladesh’s culture, Yunus said the country has long upheld an “enduring spirit of religious coexistence.” He reaffirmed that his interim government is “committed to keeping this bond of harmony unbroken” and called for building “a new Bangladesh free from discrimination.”
Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained since Yunus took charge, with New Delhi voicing concern over attacks on minorities, particularly Hindus. Janmashtami is observed as a public holiday in Bangladesh to mark Lord Krishna’s birth.
