‘We’re committed to religious freedom’

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has reiterated the interim government's commitment to upholding religious freedom and protecting the rights of all citizens in Bangladesh.

He made the remark yesterday while meeting Stephen Schneck, chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) at the state guest house Jamuna.

The meeting covered a range of topics, including the current state of religious freedom in Bangladesh, the July 2024 uprising, the reform agenda, proposed constitutional amendments, and the ongoing Rohingya crisis, according to the CA press wing.

Responding to questions about violence against minorities, the chief adviser invited international scrutiny, saying journalists from around the world were welcome to visit Bangladesh and examine the situation on the ground.

"Any journalists can visit Bangladesh anytime. Many have visited the country since the uprising," he said.

Yunus voiced concern over what he described as disinformation campaigns aimed at distorting the image of the July uprising and sowing doubts about minority rights.

He said efforts from some foreign media, particularly in South Asia, had attempted to brand the popular uprising as an "Islamist extremist movement".

"We are striving hard to build religious harmony in the country," Yunus said, adding that regional violence against minorities and the genocide in Palestine had intensified domestic tensions.

On the issue of constitutional reform, Schneck asked about the work of the commissions formed after the uprising.

Yunus said any constitutional amendments would uphold religious freedom and minority rights in Bangladesh.

"The consensus-building commission is holding dialogue with political parties over the proposed amendments. Minorities will continue to enjoy the same rights as the majority Muslim population," he said.

The chief adviser also urged the USCIRF to advocate globally for the resolution of the Rohingya crisis, noting that the UN is expected to hold a special session in September following his request.

"We need to resolve the crisis. The sooner, the better. An angry young generation is growing up in the Rohingya camps. We need to provide them hope," Yunus said.