‘Political division through religion undesirable’

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam on Tuesday said exploiting religion to create political divisions was undesirable, urging everyone to uphold the principle that people may follow different religions, but the country belongs to all.

“Everyone must refrain from creating divisions among people through politics,” he said, adding that people had the democratic right to support those who stood by them, protected their rights and worked for their development.

The minister, who also holds the Science and Technology portfolio, made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme at the Dhonbari upazila and municipal BNP office in Tangail.

At the event, he distributed cash assistance from his personal fund among 36 Durga Puja mandaps and sarees from the Prime Minister’s Relief and Welfare Fund among members of the Hindu community.

Faqir Mahbub Anam stressed the need to strengthen communal harmony by celebrating Durga Puja and other religious festivals peacefully and joyfully.

He said standing beside members of the Hindu community in both happy and difficult times and providing them with necessary assistance was a collective responsibility.

The minister also extended Durga Puja greetings to all on behalf of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family, seeking prayers and blessings for the prime minister’s good health and well-being.

Dhonbari upazila BNP President Principal M Azizur Rahman chaired the programme.