Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday asserted that Bangladesh offers no opportunity for political forces to create division on the basis of religion.
Speaking at a greeting exchange programme organised to mark the Christian religious festival Easter Sunday in Bhatara, Dhaka, on Sunday, the Minister emphasised the country's longstanding tradition of communal harmony. "We have been living in brotherhood and harmony for thousands of years," he said.
"Religious belief is a purely personal matter; we do not want to bring it into the state. We want to build the country as a non-communal state."
Mirza Fakhrul, also secretary general of the ruling BNP, criticised certain political actors for attempting to instrumentalise religion for political gain. "Some forces try to create division among us," he stated. "Some parties even seek to deny the significance of our great Liberation War. We must further strengthen brotherhood and harmony among ourselves."
Addressing the ongoing energy situation, the Minister acknowledged global supply challenges but reassured the public that the government is prioritising energy imports. "Despite the crisis caused by the global situation, the government is actively working to import energy from external sources," he said.
He noted that the relevant ministry has repeatedly confirmed adequate fuel stocks, adding that panic buying, particularly by motorcyclists, remains unwarranted.
The Minister also expressed gratitude to the Christian community for their support. "The BNP has formed the government under the leadership of Tarique Rahman with your help, for which we are grateful to you," he said. "We will move forward keeping the truth in mind."
The event was attended by community leaders, local representatives and civil society members, who reaffirmed their commitment to preserving Bangladesh's pluralistic heritage.