Bangladesh PM Likens Sheikh Hasina to Mythical Tyrant Kansa at Janmashtami Event
Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman compared ex-PM Hasina to Kansa at a Janmashtami event, urging unity and minority safety.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday drew a parallel between former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Kansa, the tyrannical king of Mathura in Hindu mythology, while addressing a Janmashtami gathering in Dhaka.
Speaking as the chief guest at a programme jointly organised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, Rahman extended greetings to Hindus worldwide and believers of Sanatan Dharma on the occasion.
Rahman, who walked from his office at the Bangladesh Secretariat to the venue, referenced the legend of Lord Krishna's birth in Mathura nearly 5,500 years ago, when the city was under the rule of the despotic Kansa. He noted that devotees believe Krishna ultimately vanquished Kansa, defeating evil and restoring righteousness.
Drawing a parallel to Bangladesh's political landscape, Rahman alleged that a "Kansa-like" ruler had denied citizens their democratic rights for more than fifteen years. Without directly naming Sheikh Hasina, he said people from diverse political and social backgrounds had united and made sacrifices to remove what he termed "Kansa-like fascists."
"Bangladesh is now again on the path of democracy," Rahman said, adding that with economic improvement, fair administration, and better law and order, it was time to rebuild the nation.
The Prime Minister urged citizens to move beyond majority-minority identities, stating, "Let us not think of ourselves as a majority and minority. Let us think of ourselves as Bangladeshi." This appeal comes amid ongoing concerns raised by minority groups over safety following law-and-order incidents targeting the Hindu community.
At the event, Rahman distributed honorariums to nine priests and sebaits, with similar payments sent electronically to recipients across the country. He reiterated the government's commitment to the security of every citizen and appealed for communal harmony, noting attempts to destabilise the country.
He encouraged the Hindu community to celebrate Janmashtami and the upcoming Durga Puja without fear, extending advance greetings for the latter festival. The Hindu community in Bangladesh will observe the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna on Friday.