Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that there are no minorities in Bangladesh, urging everyone to think of themselves as Bangladeshis rather than as members of a majority or minority community.

“Religion is a personal matter, but everyone has the right to security,” the prime minister said.

He made the remarks at a reception for members of the Hindu community at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Thursday morning (3 September).

Tarique Rahman said some people were spreading rumours to destabilise the country.

“Some people are spreading rumours to destabilise the country. Social media is being used for this purpose. Everyone must remain alert,” he said.

The prime minister also called on all to remain united to preserve religious harmony and tolerance.

“Everyone has equal rights, regardless of religion or ethnicity. We are all Bangladeshis,” he said.

Tarique Rahman said the people of Bangladesh had long been subjected to cruel rule by an authoritarian ruler who had deprived them of all their rights.

“The people brought down that fascist ruler at the cost of thousands of lives,” he said.

He said the country must now focus on rebuilding Bangladesh by improving the economic, social and law-and-order situation.

Earlier, at 10am, the prime minister attended a reception with prominent members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami and distributed honorariums among priests and temple workers.

He later handed allowances to nine priests and temple workers. Another 64 priests and temple workers across the country were also given allowances.