On Janmashtami, Yunus says committed to keeping bond of communal harmony ‘unbroken’

Muhammad Yunus

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus greeted the Hindu community in Bangladesh on Saturday to celebrate Janmashtami. He emphasised that the teachings of Lord Krishna can strengthen "mutual goodwill and brotherhood" and help maintain the nation's "existing order and communal harmony."

Yunus's message comes amid widespread concerns regarding repeated incidents of alleged attacks on Hindu community members and their places of worship since he took office in August of last year.

In his statement, Yunus noted that Lord Krishna’s values, centred on "devotion to the creator and the establishment of peace in society," continue to inspire people of all faiths, as reported by the state-run Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

He urged everyone to remain vigilant to prevent any threats to the existing order, fraternity, and communal harmony in society. Yunus expressed his belief that the ideals and teachings of Lord Sri Krishna will further strengthen the bonds of goodwill and brotherhood among individuals.

He highlighted that communal harmony is a "unique hallmark" of Bangladesh's culture, and that its people have practised their respective religions while preserving an "enduring spirit of harmony" for centuries. Yunus also reaffirmed his interim government's commitment to maintaining this bond of harmony.

"Let us work together to build a new Bangladesh, free from discrimination and enriched with communal harmony," he added.

Relations between India and Bangladesh have been strained since Yunus’s interim government took office last August, with India expressing concerns over the treatment of minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh.

Janmashtami is recognised as a public holiday in Bangladesh to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.