Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has urged people to remain vigilant against rumors being spread to destabilize the country, stressing that everyone in Bangladesh has equal rights regardless of religion or community.“Some people are spreading rumors to destabilize the country. Social media is being used for this purpose. Everyone must remain alert,” the Prime Minister said.

He made the remarks on Thursday morning (September 3) at Osmani Memorial Auditorium during a greetings exchange with members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami.

The Prime Minister said there should be no distinction between minorities and majorities and called on everyone to identify themselves as Bangladeshis.

“Everyone is a Bangladeshi. Religion belongs to individuals, but everyone has the right to security,” he said.

Calling for unity to uphold religious harmony and tolerance, Tarique Rahman said people of all faiths and backgrounds must enjoy equal rights.

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

The Prime Minister also recalled the country’s recent political history, saying that the people had endured years of what he described as an oppressive and ruthless rule. He said the people brought an end to that regime at the cost of thousands of lives.

He said the next task is to rebuild the country by improving the economic, social and law-and-order situations.

Earlier at around 10am, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended a greetings exchange with prominent members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami. He also distributed honorariums among priests and temple service providers.

The Prime Minister handed allowances to nine priests and service providers at the event. In addition, 64 more priests and service providers across the country received allowances as part of the programme.