Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday said no conspiracy based on religion or race would be allowed to succeed in Bangladesh, warning against attempts to exploit religious beliefs for political or personal interests.

He made the remarks while addressing the biennial conference of the Barisal district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad as the chief guest at the Barisal District Shilpakala Academy.

The minister said that if any group attempts to use religious beliefs or practices to influence people for political purposes, the public will recognize such motives.

“No conspiracy based on religion or race will be allowed to succeed in Bangladesh,” he said.

Referring to the position of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, Swapon said religion is a personal matter, while the state belongs equally to all citizens.

He stressed that any attempt to capture the state in the name of religion or to use followers of any faith for political purposes constitutes communalism and contradicts the true principles of religion.

“Whenever any group tries to turn religious belief and practice into a tool of communal politics, devout people themselves will identify those who exploit religion for personal or political gain,” he added.

The minister also urged political leaders to remain committed to public welfare, saying people will continue to support any political party that genuinely serves their interests.

“As long as people believe that a political party’s activities serve their interests, they will continue to support that party and its election symbol,” he said.

Among those present at the event were Barisal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, Barisal Zila Parishad Administrator Akon Quddusur Rahman, and Manik Lal Mukharjee, president of the Barisal district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, who chaired the conference.