Government does not want to use religion in politics: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the current government does not want to engage in politics using religion, stressing that all citizens have equal rights regardless of faith.

He made the remarks during an exchange of greetings with members of the Buddhist community on the occasion of Buddha Purnima at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Secretariat on Thursday (April 30).

Extending greetings to Buddhists in Bangladesh and around the world, the Prime Minister said all religions guide people towards welfare and humanity. He noted that Gautama Buddha’s teachings, including the Panchashila principles—abstaining from killing, theft, sexual misconduct, lying, and intoxicants—remain universally relevant.

He said that if citizens follow both religious teachings and state laws properly, it would be possible to build a more humane society.

Emphasising equal rights, she said every citizen has the right to freely practise their religion without fear or restriction. “Building a state where people of all religions live in peace and security is one of the core commitments of our government,” he added.

Recalling the Liberation War, he said Bangladesh was created through the sacrifices of people of all religions, where identity beyond faith was never a dividing factor.

Senior government officials, including ministers and representatives from religious and ethnic communities, were present at the event. Buddhist leaders also presented a commemorative crest and a Buddha statue replica to the Prime Minister.