Rise above communal politics
Staff Reporter :
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that politics, at times, creates divisions between Hindus and Muslims. He emphasized the need to move beyond such divisive politics.
The BNP leader made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the Shani Dev Temple plaque unveiling ceremony at the Kalibari Temple in Thakurgaon municipal town on Wednesday afternoon.
He said, “During the Liberation War of 1971, we never distinguished between Hindus, Muslims, or Christians-we all fought together as one. I still feel a strong connection with you. I’ve never viewed you as separate. Sadly, politics sometimes drives wedges between us. We must reject such politics.”
“Our relationship with the Hindu community in this area has always been close-that’s beyond question. Even now, I consider myself one of you,” he added.
Referring to a personal episode, Fakhrul said, “Subhash Chandra Mallik, General Secretary of the Kalibari Temple Committee, distanced himself from me for a time. But being in politics isn’t a crime-everyone has a right to their own beliefs. Just because I follow a different political path doesn’t mean I should be kept at a distance. I’m not complaining-just stating a fact. I believe in openness and inclusivity.”
Recalling past events, he shared, “Durga Puja celebrations were once held in Ashrampara, where people from Ghoshpara would gather. Plays were staged during the festivities, and I used to act in them regularly. That atmosphere no longer exists. Even my own people don’t reach out anymore. But now is the time to change that. A new Bangladesh is emerging-let us unite and build it together.”
To the Hindu community, he said, “Have faith-we have stood by you in the past, we are with you now, and we will continue to stand with you. Your struggles are ours, your peace is our peace, your happiness is our happiness. We have never practiced politics of division.”
Quoting Tagore, he said, “Look all around with an open heart; let us disregard trivial sorrows.’ We must expand our hearts, look around, and embrace people with love. Only with that love can we move forward. Without it, we’ll fall behind.”
Fakhrul also warned of ongoing conspiracies. “Conspiracies are unfolding every moment. Platforms like Facebook are manipulating minds-spreading misinformation and inciting people. That’s why I avoid Facebook. It’s being used to destabilize society and divide us.”
Urging everyone to contribute to national unity, he concluded, “Problems will always exist, but it is our duty to solve them. Let’s be courageous and restore the relationships we once had. Together, let us build a society where there is no divide between Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, or Christians.”
The event was also attended by Thakurgaon District BNP General Secretary Mirza Faisal Amin, Vice President Obaidullah Masud, Joint General Secretary Paigam Ali, Office Secretary Mamunur Rashid, Municipal BNP General Secretary Tariq Adnan, along with Manoranjan Singh and Satyajit Kumar Kundu, President and General Secretary of the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front of Thakurgaon District.