Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called on people to remain united against those seeking to divide the country along religious lines, reaffirming the government's commitment to building a liberal and democratic Bangladesh.
"We must stand against those who want to divide the country on the basis of religion. We cannot indulge in fundamentalism. We want to build a liberal, democratic Bangladesh," he said.
Fakhrul, who is also the BNP secretary general, made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Ensuring Protection and Security of Minorities", organised by the Sammilita Sanatan Parishad at the Institution of Diploma Engineers auditorium in the capital.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the event.
Fakhrul said Bangladesh has historically been a land of communal harmony where people of different faiths have lived together for generations.
Recalling the Liberation War of 1971, he said it was fought on the principles of freedom, sovereignty and national unity regardless of religious identity.
Referring to democratic setbacks during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, the minister said a fully functioning democratic system is the only guarantee of equal rights, freedom of worship and protection of life and property for all citizens.
Highlighting the government's inclusive policies, Fakhrul said its 31-point state reform agenda includes plans to ensure representation of Sanatan, ethnic minority, plainland and hill communities in state affairs.
He said the government had also taken measures to ensure the safety and security of people during major religious festivals, including Durga Puja and Rath Yatra.
Reassuring members of religious minority communities, Fakhrul urged them not to feel isolated or define themselves solely as minorities but to assert their equal constitutional rights as citizens of Bangladesh.
"We are children of the same motherland. Guided by our shared culture and history, we will move forward together," he said.
