Speaking at the Janmashtami celebration of the Hindu community, Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman said that this country belongs to everyone, and there should be no discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, race, or community.
Emphasising that all citizens have equal rights in the country, he said, “You will live in this country without fear. We will always stand by your side.”
The Army Chief attended the Janmashtami festival and central procession on Saturday afternoon at Palashi Intersection in the capital as the guest of honour. Also present as honoured guests were: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan and 9th Infantry Division GOC Major General Md Moin Khan.
The festival and central procession were organised by the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council, Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee, and Shree Shree Dhakeshwari National Temple.
Referring to the presence of the Navy Chief, Air Force Chief, and the GOC of the 9th Infantry Division, General Waker-uz-Zaman said: "Together, we will always stand beside you... You will live in this country without fear. Celebrate your religious festivals with joy. We will share in your celebrations together."
General Waker-uz-Zaman said that for hundreds of years, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Bengalis, hill people, and indigenous communities have all been living together in this country in peace and harmony.
Referring to the Janmashtami procession in Dhaka as a historic event, the Army Chief said that such celebrations were held regularly in the 19th and 20th centuries. At one point, they stopped, but now they have resumed. He expressed hope that the festival and the procession would continue every year without interruption.
Speaking on this, Waker-uz-Zaman said, “Whatever support and assistance you seek from us — Insha’Allah, we will provide it.”
The Army Chief added, “Today, our pledge is to uphold that harmony and that friendly environment at all times. This country belongs to all of us, and together we will live here in peace and dignity.”
Reflecting on his childhood memories, General Waker-uz-Zaman said, “This is a very familiar place to me. Azimpur, Palashi — I grew up here. This area holds many memories for me.”
Defending independence is a sacred duty
Before the Army Chief’s address, Navy Chief Admiral M Nazmul Hassan stated that Janmashtami is not just a religious festival but also a powerful call for peace, harmony, and humanity.
He said, "The teachings and ideals of Sri Krishna not only provide the courage to stand against falsehood and injustice but also deeply inspire us to help the helpless, stand by suffering humanity, and establish equality, fraternity, tolerance, and harmony in society."
Admiral M Nazmul Hassan mentioned that the law enforcement agencies, including the Navy, are dedicated to ensuring the security of all religious events like Janmashtami and the overall safety and service of the people. He said this Janmashtami procession will once again prove to the world that Bangladesh is a country of peace and harmony, where people of all faiths and backgrounds respect each other.
The Navy Chief added, “The country and the freedom we gained in exchange for the blood of millions of martyrs, it is our collective sacred duty to defend that freedom. And we are all determined to build this nation into a happy and prosperous country for the next generation.”
'Never discriminated based on religion'
In his speech about Sri Krishna's life and ideals, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan said one must remain steadfast on the path of truth and bravely stand against injustice. He added that everyone should build relationships of harmony, empathy, and love.
Mentioning that he grew up in Old Dhaka, he said, “Not far from here (Palashi intersection), my house was next to this Joykali Temple, and I grew up in Laxmibazar. I studied there. So I have many friends in the Hindu community. I still have contact and spend time with them. I have Christian friends too. Since childhood, we grew up in a harmonious environment where we never discriminated based on religion.”
The Air Force Chief concluded by stating that unity is essential for peace and progress.
A historic event
The event, held at Plassey intersection for the Janmashtami festival and procession, was presided over by Jayanta Kumar Deb, President of the Metropolitan Sarbojonin Puja Committee. He described the joint presence of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Chiefs at a religious event as a historical occasion.
He stated, “We want a Bangladesh where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians live side by side… Religion belongs to the individual, but the state belongs to everyone.”
Other speakers at the event included Basudeb Dhar, President of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, and Subrata Chowdhury, acting President of the Dhakeshwari Temple Management Committee. The General Secretary of the Metropolitan Sarbojonin Puja Committee, Tapas Chandra Paull, hosted the event.
The discussion session began after a performance of religious songs. Following the discussion, the Army, Navy, and Air Force Chiefs inaugurated the central Janmashtami procession by lighting ceremonial lamps. They were joined by the GOC of the 9th Infantry Division and the organisers of the Janmashtami festival.
The colorful procession, which started from Plassey intersection, praded through various streets before concluding at Bahadur Shah Park in Old Dhaka. Thousands of Hindu men and women participated, including many children who joined their parents. Some were in colorful costumes, dressed as Radha and Krishna. An elephant pulled a chariot of Sri Krishna in the procession.
Followers of Sanatan Dharma believe that when brute force was about to engulf justice, truth, and beauty, Lord Sri Krishna, the great avatar, appeared to suppress that force and establish the welfare of humanity and justice. Today is the auspicious birth anniversary of Sri Krishna.