Staff Reporter:

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said there is no room for religious division in Bangladesh, emphasizing that people of all faiths enjoy equal rights and dignity.

“Bangladesh is a country where Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and followers of all religions have equal rights and respect. The government remains highly vigilant so that no one can create unrest by spreading division in the name of religion,” he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion and representatives’ conference titled “Ensuring Protection and Security of Minorities,” organized by the Sammilito Sanatan Parishad at the auditorium of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) in the capital.

He said people of different faiths have lived together in harmony in the region for thousands of years, leaving no room for division based on religious identity.

“The Liberation War was a struggle for the freedom, dignity and economic emancipation of all people. Building a democratic, secular and humane Bangladesh requires upholding the spirit of the Liberation War. The foundation of the state should be citizenship, not religious identity,” he said.

The minister said a quarter with vested interest was attempting to undermine the country’s communal harmony by creating divisions in the name of religion and urged everyone to remain united against such efforts.

“There is no place for extremism and fundamentalism in Bangladesh. We want to build an inclusive, democratic and harmonious Bangladesh,” he said.

Fakhrul said the government has taken necessary measures since assuming office to ensure the safety and security of people of all faiths and protect their places of worship.

He said the government provided security and necessary support during major religious events, including Durga Puja and Rath Yatra, to prevent any attempts to disrupt communal harmony.

Addressing members of the Sanatan community, he urged them to present their concerns and demands to the government in an organized manner.

“The government is sincere in addressing legitimate demands through discussions and dialogue,” he said.

Fakhrul also said Bangladesh’s democratic journey must continue in the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War, adding that the country should move forward on the principles of mutual respect, harmony and equal rights rather than religious division.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the event. Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Mymensingh-8 MP Lutfullahil Majed, and leaders of various political, social and religious organizations attended as special guests.