International

IIE DIGITAL DESK; Dhaka, July 31: Declaring that there is no room for religious division or communal unrest in Bangladesh, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the government remains on its highest level of vigilance to ensure that no individual or group can create instability by exploiting religion. He stressed that guaranteeing equal rights, dignity, and security for followers of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians, remains one of the government's foremost commitments.

The minister made these remarks on Friday while addressing as the chief guest a discussion meeting and representatives' conference titled "Ensuring Protection and Security for Minorities," organized by the Combined Sanatan Council at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in the capital, Dhaka.

Addressing the gathering, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said that people of different faiths have coexisted peacefully on this land for centuries, making communal harmony one of the nation's greatest strengths. He asserted that there should be no scope for dividing people on the basis of religion and emphasized that every citizen deserves equal respect regardless of religious identity. Referring to members of the Hindu community, he remarked that he never considers them a minority, but rather equal citizens and children of the country who enjoy the same rights as every other Bangladeshi.

The minister further said that the spirit of Bangladesh's Liberation War was rooted in the struggle for freedom, dignity, equality, and economic emancipation for all citizens. According to him, the country must continue to build a democratic, secular, and humane society inspired by those ideals. He also observed that citizenship, rather than religious identity, should remain the fundamental basis of the state.

Mirza Fakhrul alleged that certain groups are attempting to create divisions among people by misusing religion with the intention of damaging Bangladesh's long-standing communal harmony. Calling upon citizens from all communities to remain united against such attempts, he said there is no place for extremism or religious fundamentalism in Bangladesh. The government, he added, is firmly committed to building a nation founded on democracy, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

Highlighting the government's initiatives since assuming office, the minister stated that comprehensive measures have been taken to ensure the safety of people belonging to all religions, as well as the protection of their places of worship. He noted that during major religious festivals, including Durga Puja and Rath Yatra, the government has consistently provided extensive security arrangements and administrative support to prevent any attempt to disturb communal peace.

Addressing members of the Sanatan community, Mirza Fakhrul urged them to present their concerns and legitimate demands to the government in an organized and constructive manner. He assured them that the government remains sincere in addressing reasonable issues through dialogue and consultation and is committed to finding positive solutions wherever possible.

The minister also emphasized the importance of upholding the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War in order to strengthen Bangladesh's democratic journey. He said that the sacrifices made during the struggle for democracy should also be remembered alongside the country's liberation history. According to him, Bangladesh's future should be built not on religious divisions but on mutual respect, communal harmony, equal rights, and inclusive citizenship.

The conference was inaugurated by Culture Minister Nitai Ray Chowdhury. Among the distinguished guests present were the Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Lutfullah El Majed, Member of Parliament from Mymensingh-8, along with leaders from various political, social, and religious organizations. The event focused on strengthening interfaith harmony, protecting minority communities, and reinforcing the government's commitment to preserving peace, security, and equal rights for every citizen of Bangladesh.