LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there is no room for politics that seeks to divide people in the name of religion, alleging that attempts are being made to create a new form of divisive politics in the country.
He said that although Muslims form the majority of Bangladesh’s population, every citizen enjoys equal importance and no community should be undermined on the basis of religion.
Fakhrul made the remarks on Wednesday while addressing a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairmen and Members Association at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh.
“Attempts are being made to divide us politically in the name of religion. Although we are the majority, we must not demean people of other faiths. Every religion deserves equal respect. The state belongs to everyone,” he told the UP chairmen and members.
“If you are a chairman, you should attend Durga Puja as well as Eid celebrations. Therefore, division must not be allowed,” he added.
Fakhrul said the Awami League, which has been disbanded, caused significant damage to the country, claiming that “Awami League and democracy do not go together”.
“Whenever they were in power, they undermined democratic institutions. We are trying to pass a law so that elected public representatives cannot be suspended unless wrongdoing is proven,” he said.
Highlighting the low monthly allowances received by Union Parishad chairmen and members, the minister said their concerns would be discussed with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and appropriate decisions would be taken.
As local government elections approach, Fakhrul said union-level polls would be conducted impartially, with neither BNP nor Jamaat receiving any special advantage.
Candidates, he said, would have to win through public support and trust, as free and fair elections would form the foundation of democracy.
He said a national organisation of UP chairmen and members would be formed after the elections.
“You will establish an ad hoc committee, and the prime minister will attend your organisation’s council,” he told the local government representatives.
Fakhrul said Bangladesh, despite being a small country, faces numerous challenges and the government has started working to meet the needs of its large population with limited resources.
He said the government launched the Family Card programme after assuming office and that 41 lakh families would be brought under its benefits by the end of this year.
Highlighting government initiatives, he said agricultural loans up to Tk10,000 had been waived, steps had been taken to provide allowances for imams and muezzins, and canal excavation projects had been initiated.
He expressed hope that these measures would improve the lives of ordinary people at the grassroots level and provide relief to citizens.
“There is a proposal to involve grassroots public representatives in every development activity. This is essential because a strong state structure cannot be built otherwise,” Fakhrul said.
He also stressed that sustainable development could not be achieved solely through Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) and government officials.
UP chairmen and members must be empowered and given greater authority, he said, adding that grassroots leaders understand the country and its people best.
Fakhrul said the people of Bangladesh know how to choose the right leadership and have the ability to make the right decisions.
