'Was Bangladesh independent only for Muslims': Goyeshwar asks in parliament

Bangladesh was independent for all people, regardless of religion or ethnicity, not just for Muslims, ruling party MP Goyeshwar Chandra Roy has asked in parliament.

Speaking during the general discussion on the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year in the 16th sitting of the 13th National Parliament on Saturday, June 27, the senior BNP leader raised the question.

He said the BNP's ideology upholds religious values without mentioning any specific religion, and the party's policy is to embrace the values of all religions equally.

Sharing a personal experience, Roy said he had once recommended a Hindu individual for a job at an Islamic bank. A bank official later told him that the person could not be hired because he was Hindu.

"If having 'Islamic' in the bank's name means non-Muslims cannot work there, is that not discrimination? Was Bangladesh independent only for Muslims, or for all people of all religions living in this land?" he asked.

He said that while mosques and madrasas may have religious provisions, a bank is a financial institution open to all, and limiting opportunities based on religion would be contrary to justice.

Referring to Islamic banks and insurance companies, Roy said if these are not for everyone, an explanation is needed.

He also said opposition should not be for the sake of opposition, but democracy is strengthened through offering alternative paths.

Recalling Ziaur Rahman's political philosophy, Roy said Zia did not declare Bangladesh an 'Islamic Bangladesh'. He established the concept of 'Bangladeshi' nationalism by upholding the values of all religions.

He added that no religion teaches injustice, violence, murder or dishonesty, and therefore, equal dignity and rights for people of all religions must be ensured in the governance of the state.