National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam on Thursday said his party will raise cases of religious discrimination in Parliament and take to the streets on the issue whenever such incidents come to its attention.
He made the remarks while addressing a press briefing following a meeting with Hindu community leaders ahead of Durga Puja at the party’s central office in the city.
Nahid said ensuring equal dignity for citizens regardless of their religious or ethnic identities is central to the NCP’s political philosophy.
The NCP has instructed its leaders and activists across the country to extend all possible assistance to members of the Hindu community in celebrating Durga Puja, he said.
The party will also provide voluntary support for the celebrations, and take part in festivities at different locations, within its capacity, Nahid added.
He said the goal should be to build a Bangladesh where religious communities celebrate their festivals without having to worry about security.
Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Santosh Sharma alleged that the Hindu community had faced discrimination in government jobs, businesses and other areas since August 5, 2024, and urged NCP leaders to raise the issue in Parliament.
He also alleged that members of the community had faced intimidation, extortion and land grabbing.
The NCP leader said political parties should maintain good relations with all religious and ethnic communities and play a role in protecting their rights.
He also called on all to act responsibly to maintain communal harmony, warning that various forces might seek to undermine it.
Leaders of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad attended the meeting and exchanged greetings with NCP leaders.