Fakhrul warns against religion-based divisive politics

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that attempts are being made to create a new form of divisive politics in Bangladesh by using religion.

He said that although Muslims are the majority in the country, every citizen enjoys equal importance and there is no scope for undermining followers of any religion.

Fakhrul made the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Union Parishad Chairmen and Members Association at the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh in the capital on Wednesday.

“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 Union Parishad chairmen and members.

He said elected local representatives should take part in celebrations of all religious communities, including Durga Puja and Eid, to promote unity and prevent division.

Fakhrul also criticised the disbanded Awami League, saying the party had caused significant damage to the country’s democratic institutions.

“Awami League and democracy do not go together. Whenever they were in power, they undermined democratic institutions,” he said.

He said the government was working to introduce a law preventing the suspension of elected public representatives unless allegations of wrongdoing are proven.

Referring to the low monthly allowances of Union Parishad chairmen and members, the minister said their concerns would be discussed with the Prime Minister and necessary steps would be taken.

On the upcoming local government elections, Fakhrul said polls at the Union Parishad level would be held in a fair and impartial manner, with no special advantage given to BNP or Jamaat candidates.
“Candidates must win through the love and support of the people. Free and fair elections will be the foundation of democracy,” he said.

He said a national organisation of Union Parishad chairmen and members would be formed after the elections and an ad hoc committee would be created for the purpose.

Highlighting government initiatives, Fakhrul said the Family Card programme had been launched and 41 lakh families would come under its benefits by the end of this year.

He also mentioned steps such as waiving agricultural loans up to Tk 10,000, providing allowances for imams and muezzins, and implementing canal excavation projects to improve the lives of ordinary people.

The minister said grassroots public representatives should be involved in development activities, as a strong state structure cannot be built without empowering local leadership.

He stressed that development cannot be achieved only through Upazila Nirbahi Officers (UNOs) and government officials, adding that Union Parishad chairmen and members must be given greater authority.

Fakhrul said people at the grassroots level understand the country’s needs best and know how to choose the right leadership.