Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has stated that there is no scope for division in the name of religion in Bangladesh. He emphasized that the country belongs equally to people of all faiths, including Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians, who enjoy equal rights and dignity. The government remains on high alert to ensure that no one creates instability in society by inciting religious division.

The Minister made these remarks as the chief guest on Friday (July 31) at a views-exchange meeting and representative conference titled “Ensuring the Protection and Security of Minorities,” organized by the Sammilita Sanatan Parishad at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in Dhaka.

“For thousands of years, people of diverse faiths have been living in harmony on this land. Therefore, there is no scope to divide people based on religion. I never consider you a minority; you are the children and citizens of this country,” the Local Government Minister said.

He noted that the Great Liberation War was a struggle for the freedom, dignity, and economic liberation of all citizens. “Upholding that spirit, we must build a democratic, non-communal, and humane Bangladesh. National identity, not religious identity, will be the core foundation of the state,” he added.

The Minister cautioned that a vested group is attempting to disrupt the country’s harmony by dividing people through religion. Calling upon everyone to remain united against such malicious attempts, he stated, “There is no place for extremism and fundamentalism in Bangladesh. We want to build a liberal, democratic, and harmonious Bangladesh.”

Highlighting measures taken since the government assumed office, he mentioned that necessary steps have been implemented to ensure the safety of lives, properties, and places of worship for all communities. He noted that the government provided full support and security during religious festivals such as Durga Puja and Rath Yatra to prevent miscreants from disturbing communal harmony.

Addressing the Hindu community, he encouraged them to present their grievances and demands to the government in an organized manner, assuring that the government remains sincere in resolving reasonable demands through dialogue.

The Minister further underscored the importance of upholding the spirit of the 1971 Liberation War as well as recognizing the history of sacrifices made in democratic movements. “Bangladesh will move forward based on mutual respect, harmony, and equal rights—not division based on religion,” he concluded.

The event was inaugurated by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, and Lutful Hahel Majed, Member of Parliament for Mymensingh-8, attended as honored guests, alongside leaders from various political, social, and religious organizations.