An evil force is active in destroying the bonds of 1971 harmony: Local Government Minister

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that an evil force is repeatedly trying to destroy the bonds of communal harmony formed during the 1971 Liberation War. Everyone must remain united to resist such evil attempts.

He said this at the inauguration ceremony and discussion meeting of the Sri Sri Jagannath Dev Rath Yatra Mahotsav-2026 at the Swamibag Ashram in the capital on Thursday (July 16).

The minister said that the government does not believe in the politics of division centered on religion in Bangladesh. The government's goal is to develop the country by including people of all religions and communities in the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism.

He said that following the ideals of martyred President Ziaur Rahman and the path of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to ensure the rights, dignity and equal participation of people of all religions.

Mirza Fakhrul said, Bangladesh is not a state of any particular religion; it is a country of people of all religions. Therefore, the government wants to move forward by ensuring the participation and representation of people of all communities.

Citing the spirit of the Liberation War, he said, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians all fought together to liberate the country in 1971. An evil force is repeatedly trying to destroy that bond of harmony. Everyone must remain united to resist such evil attempts.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar, senior government officials and various religious leaders were present at the event.