Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has declared that the government will not allow any conspiracies – whether visible or hidden – to create divisions among the people of Bangladesh based on religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
Swapon said exploiting religious believers for political gain is an act against both the Creator and humanity.
He made these remarks at biennial conference of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad’s Barisal district unit on Friday, held at District Shilpakala Academy auditorium.
Swapon emphasised that political parties and their symbols are not divine entities, but tools meant for public welfare. He said a party remains acceptable to the people only as long as its programmes serve their interests; otherwise, it should be rejected.
Swapon further urged citizens to be vigilant against “religion traders” who attempt to turn personal faith into “communal pockets” through subtle conspiracies.
Highlighting the government’s vision of equality, Swapon described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as the most powerful advocate for the equal rights of all citizens.
He reiterated the prime minister’s clear stance that while religion is a personal matter, the state belongs to everyone.
Swapon noted that while religious philosophy focuses on the Almighty, political philosophy must always centre on the interests of the population.
He added that the government is mindful of its promises to the voters, warning that history could repeat itself if these mandates are not honoured.
The conference, chaired by Manik Mukherjee Kudu, president of Barisal District Puja Udjapan Parishad, began with Swapon hoisting the national flag to the strains of the national anthem.
To symbolise peace, he inaugurated the proceedings by releasing balloons and pigeons. During the opening segment, five freedom fighters were formally honoured.
Special guests at the conference included Bilkis Akhter Jahan Shirin, administrator of Barisal City Corporation, and Akon Quddusur Rahman, administrator of Zila Parishad.
Journalist Santosh Sharma, general secretary of the central committee of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, attended as the keynote speaker.
