Steps will be taken to enact a succession law for Hindu Community: HPM Sheikh Hasina

She suggested that leaders of Hindu community reach a consensus for such a law. The government will welcome if Hindu leaders submit a draft of the law to the government, she added.

The Prime Minister said this while exchanging greetings with the members of Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami at her official Ganobhaban residence here this afternoon.

Pointing out the law enacted by her government for Hindu community similar to "heba law" of the Muslim community Sheikh Hasina said her government has done this to facilitate handover of property of Hindu community to their close relatives without any tax.

As the Hindu leaders demanded, the Prime Minister assured them of giving tax rebate on importing statue of Radha Krishna from abroad.

Awami League Advisory Council Member Suranjit Sengupta, State Minister for Youth and Sports Biren Sikdar, State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Narayan Chandra Chanda also spoke on the occasion.

Principal of Dhaka Ramkrishna Mission Swami Drubeshananda, leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Committee, Janmashtami Udjapon Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee Joyanta Sen Dipu, Debashish Palit, Ramesh Ghosh, DN Chaterjee, Chandan Talukder and Tapas Kumar Paul also spoke on the occasion.

Chief cleric of Hrishidham Ashram of Chittagong was present on the occasion.

Earlier, a one-minute silence was observed as a mark of respect to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and other martyrs of the August 15, 1975 carnage.

On the occasion, leaders of Janmashtami Udjapan Parishad, Bangladesh, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee greeted the Prime Minister by presenting bouquets and a crest to her.

The Prime Minister extended her greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami saying Sri Krishna had preached message of love, justice and affection which we should promote.

At the very outset of the programme, the Prime Minister said, "Though it's a programme for exchange of greetings this month of August is a month of mourning for the nation."

Sheikh Hasina said people of every faith and religion unitedly fought for the independence of Bangladesh. Secularism was the main spirit for liberating the country, she said.

"People of all religions from ancient time are living together in Bangladesh in peace and harmony. They have followed their religious rites and customs freely and participated in each other's religious festivals. It's a rare example," she said.

The Prime Minister said every religion preaches peace, fraternity and tolerance and it's the important aspect of the religion. No religion, it's people who are responsible for creating intolerance among human race, she said.

Referring to recent militant activities, the Prime Minister said these incidents are being carried out in a planned manner to create a communal conflict in the country. But, people of the country have already demonstrated their unity against the militants, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said, "The militants have no religion or territorial boundary. They killed religious leaders of every religion and burnt copies of the holy Quran."

"Those who are carrying out the militant and terror activities have no sense of humanity. They have no faith in religion. They only believe in terrorism, killing and militancy," the Prime Minister said.

Terming the unity of people as the main strengthen to fight terrorism and militancy, the Prime Minister said common people all over the world are always in favour of peace.

Sheikh Hasina said people will perform their own religions and every people would live in Bangladesh with their every right. "We always want victory of humanity," she added.

"We will not allow the militants to make Bangladesh their harbour. It's out commitment to the nation," she said.

Urging people to keep up the spirit against militancy which has been generated in them after some recent terror incidents, she said Bangladesh is progressing even in adverse situation and people of every religion are enjoying the benefit of the development.

"We want to ensure a dignified position for Bangladesh in the world comity. Defying all adversities and conspiracy, Bangladesh would go ahead to achieve her cherished goal of becoming a prosperous and peaceful country in South Asia," the Prime Minister said.

Photo: Saiful Islam Kallol