Those who seek division in the name of religion are enemies of the nation and God: Information Minister

Photo: Collected

News Desk: Those who try to create division in society and the state in the name of religion are enemies of the nation, religion, and God, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said. He said that remaining steadfast in one’s own faith while respecting people of all religions and promoting mutual coexistence is the foundation of a peaceful and inclusive society.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion meeting held at Dhakeshwari Temple in the capital on Friday (July 24), organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and the Dhaka Metropolitan Universal Puja Celebration Committee to mark the ‘Shri Shri Jagannath Dev’s Ulto Rath Yatra Mahotsav 2026.’

The Information Minister said that true believers respect the faiths of people belonging to other religions. “How someone chooses to reach the Creator is a personal matter. Some worship, some offer prayers, and some perform namaz. Although the methods differ, everyone seeks to connect with the Almighty,” he said.

He further said that a certain group seeks to divide society by exploiting religious beliefs. Such activities are seen not only in Bangladesh but also in neighboring countries. Attempts are made to exploit people’s religious beliefs to divide society and the state and then gain political advantage from those divisions.

Zahir Uddin Swapan urged everyone to remain vigilant so that no evil group can exploit religious beliefs to achieve its own objectives.

The Minister said that Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists in Bangladesh have rights, and followers of the Sanatan faith have exactly the same rights. “No division based on religion, race, language, or whether someone lives in the hills or the plains will be allowed in Bangladesh,” he said.

He further said that the philosophy of Bangladeshi nationalism has brought people of all religions, races, languages, cultures, and communities from the hills and plains together on a common platform. There is no scope for division on the basis of religion.

The Information Minister said, “Those who call for division in the name of religion and politics are enemies of the nation, enemies of religion, and enemies of God.”

At the event, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Md. Abdus Salam, who inaugurated the programme, said that Bangladesh belongs to people of all religions. Those who seek to undermine communal harmony do not believe in Bangladesh’s sovereignty, he said.

He further said that members of the Hindu community also participated in the Liberation War and that Bangladesh achieved independence through the sacrifices and blood of people from all communities. “There is no opportunity to forget that history,” he said.

Addressing members of the Sanatan community, Abdus Salam urged them to firmly assert their rights before the state. “There is no reason to consider yourselves second-class citizens. All citizens of Bangladesh will enjoy equal rights,” he said.

He also said that the BNP does not believe in communal provocation. He recalled that during the government of Begum Khaleda Zia, Eid and Durga Puja were held on the same day without any problems, with people celebrating their respective religious festivals side by side.

At the event, he also sought the support, cooperation, and votes of members of the Sanatan community for the BNP candidate in the upcoming mayoral election.

Among others, Dhaka-7 constituency MP Hamidur Rahman, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudev Dhar, and Dhaka Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb were present.

ISKCON Bangladesh Executive Committee member Bimala Prasad Das delivered the welcome address. The programme was chaired by Srimat Bhaktimay Nitai Swami Maharaj, head of Swamibagh Ashram and General Secretary of ISKCON Bangladesh. Renowned religious leaders, senior government officials, public representatives, and a large number of devotees also attended the event.