New beginning in Bangladesh: PM Tariq Rahman gives great confidence to minorities, whether Hindu or Muslim, this country belongs to everyone

News India Live, Digital Desk: Bangladesh’s newly elected Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, who reached the pinnacle of power after 17 years in exile, has issued his first big message to the country as soon as he took office. In his first televised address to the nation on Wednesday night, he pledged to make Bangladesh a ‘safe land’ for people of all religions. His statement is being seen as a balm especially for the minority Hindu community, who have been facing violence and insecurity for some time. ‘Political ideologies are different, but rights are equal’ The 60-year-old Prime Minister said in clear words that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government believes in inclusive governance. “Whether you voted for BNP or not, or didn’t vote at all—everyone has an equal say on this government. As Bangladeshis, we all have equal rights in this country,” he said. Direct message on minority safety Attacks on Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 had drawn international concern. On this, Prime Minister Rehman said: Equal identity: “Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, irrespective of party, ideology or religion, this country belongs to all of us.” Security promise: The government’s top priority is to improve law and order and make every citizen feel safe. Strict action: He made it clear that now not ‘party influence’ but ‘rule of law’ will be the last word. Attack on corruption and economy The Prime Minister also mentioned the country’s ‘shaky’ economy. He said that his administration will adopt a policy of zero tolerance on corruption. He has instructed his cabinet to cut government expenses and ensure basic facilities like gas, electricity and water to the general public without any discrimination. After Tariq Rehman’s victory, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also congratulated him by calling him on relations with India. The security of minorities in Bangladesh has been a sensitive issue for India. In such a situation, this “pluralistic” stance of Rahman is being considered a positive sign for the future diplomatic relations between the two countries.