We Do Not Want Religious Division: Fakhrul Vows Equal Rights at Rath Yatra

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday asserted the government's unwavering stance on fostering communal harmony and protecting the equal rights of all religious groups, firmly dismissing any attempts to seed discord.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Rath Yatra festival and an accompanying discussion at the capital’s ISKCON Swamibagh Ashram, he emphasized the administration's inclusive vision. 

"We do not want to create any religious division. We want to work with everyone and move forward together," Fakhrul, who also serves as the Minister for Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives, declared. 

He noted that alongside spiritual harmony, the government is also actively taking steps to build a clean, planned, and livable Dhaka.

Recalling the country's founding history, the BNP leader pointed out that people from all faiths—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians—stood side-by-side during the 1971 Liberation War to win independence. 

However, he lamented that "a particular evil force" has persistently tried to damage that foundational unity. 

"Even today, there remains traces of that. We all have to unite, build resistance and work together in a united manner," he urged.

Fakhrul conveyed deep appreciation to the Hindu community, noting that the administration will permanently cherish the backing they provided during the recent general election.

He condemned the exploitation of faith in political arenas, clarifying that the BNP does not subscribe to divisive, religion-centered politics.

Highlighting state welfare programs, the minister detailed initiatives like the Family Card and Farmers’ Card, along with targeted assistance for diverse religious establishments. 

He pointed out that the state has rolled out financial stipends for mosque imams and muezzins, temple priests, church clergy, and Buddhist temple caretakers alike. 

"This is something no one had ever imagined. The government wants everyone to practise their religion freely and wants Bangladesh to work equally for all rather than favouring any particular religion," he remarked.

The BNP leader also shared that prior to joining the Rath Yatra celebrations, he sat in a high-level meeting headed by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman alongside representatives of plainland ethnic minorities. 

He observed that the Prime Minister has secured representation for all spiritual denominations among female members of parliament, pointing out the attendance of Santal community representative Anna Minj, MP, at that assembly.

According to Fakhrul, Tarique Rahman reconfirmed the state's resolve to uplift the socio-economic status of every demographic segment. 

Concluding his address, the BNP Secretary General appealed to the public, saying, "Let us all move Bangladesh forward together."

With Inputs from UNB