2 hrs ago
Bangladesh PM Compares Sheikh Hasina To Kansa At Janmashtami
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman spoke at a Hindu festival event in Dhaka.
He wished Hindu people a happy Janmashtami.
He used the story of Lord Krishna defeating the ruler Kansa as a comparison to Bangladesh’s political situation.
He said a ruler who acted like Kansa had taken away people’s democratic rights.
He did not name former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directly in that comparison.
Rahman said people had united to bring down the rulers he described as fascists.
He also said people of every religion should have equal rights and safety.
He asked Hindu citizens to celebrate Janmashtami and Durga Puja peacefully and without fear.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman compared a “Kansa-like” ruler to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at a Janmashtami event.
Rahman said Bangladeshis had united to defeat what he called Kansa-like fascists and restore democracy.
He urged citizens to identify as Bangladeshis rather than as members of majority or minority communities.
Rahman appealed for communal peace and promised equal rights and security for every citizen.
The government distributed honorariums to priests and sebaits, including through electronic transfers nationwide.
- Who
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed Hindu community members, religious leaders, priests and sebaits.
- What
- He compared a “Kansa-like” ruler to Bangladesh’s former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, while calling for democracy, communal harmony and citizen security.
- Where
- The programme took place at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
- When
- The event was held on Thursday; Bangladesh’s Hindu community was due to celebrate Janmashtami on Friday.
- Why
- Rahman was attending a government-organized Janmashtami programme and using the occasion to discuss democracy, communal harmony and security.
Government Position
Reported Concerns
Political legacy
Government Position
Tarique Rahman said people had united to defeat Kansa-like fascists who had deprived citizens of democratic rights for more than a decade and a half.
Reported Concerns
The article identifies the comparison as an allegation aimed indirectly at former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was not named directly in the speech.
Minority safety
Government Position
Rahman said everyone had equal rights and security, and urged Hindu citizens to celebrate Janmashtami and Durga Puja without fear.
Reported Concerns
Minority groups continue to raise concerns about Hindu community safety amid law-and-order incidents targeting Hindus in Bangladesh.
National identity
Government Position
Rahman urged citizens not to view themselves as majority or minority groups, but as Bangladeshis.
Reported Concerns
The continued concerns raised by minority groups indicate that religious identity and unequal security remain issues for some communities.
Key facts
- Speaker
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
- Event
- Janmashtami programme
- Location
- Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Dhaka
- Political comparison
- Rahman compared an unnamed “Kansa-like” ruler to the political situation involving former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
- Religious outreach
- Rahman exchanged greetings with Hindu community members and urged peaceful celebrations.
- Honorariums
- Nine priests and sebaits received honorariums at the programme.
- Payment method
- Honorariums were also sent to priests’ and sebaits’ bank accounts nationwide through electronic fund transfer.
Quotes
Tarique Rahman
Bangladesh prime minister speaking at the Janmashtami event
“I wish all Hindus in Bangladesh and across the world and believers of Sanatan Dharma heartfelt greetings and best wishes on the occasion of Janmashtami.”
NDTV
“Believers of the Hindu faith hold that Sri Krishna ultimately defeated Kansa, vanquished evil and upheld righteousness.”
NDTV
Sources
Related news
Indian Envoy Meets Bangladesh PM Amid Sheikh Hasina Row
Ex-Bangladesh Ministers Slam Government's 'Juvenile' Remarks on Sheikh Hasina
Indian Envoy Meets Bangladesh PM Amid Hasina Extradition Push
Bangladesh renews push for Hasina's extradition as envoy meets PM
Ousted Hasina's Defiant Address Sparks Fury in Bangladesh
Bangladesh PM's India Visit Uncertain Amid Hasina Extradition Demand
Sharma, Malik Share Halfway Lead at Telangana Golconda Masters
GDP Critics Question India Data as Reforms Support Growth
Bhotekoshi Flood Halts Nepal’s Bangladesh Power Exports, Cuts India Supply
India Seeks 75% Global Trade Access Through Upcoming FTAs
