Khulna: Adviser to the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Dr. A F M Khalid Hossain, today opined that the country's overall development was not possible without communal harmony. 'Traditionally Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. Co-existence of people of different ethnic groups is the characteristic of this country,' he said while addressing as the chief guest at a view exchange meeting with Islamic Scholars in the city. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Islamic Foundation organized the meeting at its Khulna divisional auditorium on 'Establishment of Communal Harmony and Solving Social Problems by Ulama Mashaikhs.' During the event, the adviser emphasized that, as per the country's constitution, every citizen is entitled to equal rights across various fields, including religion, politics, and education. However, he warned that some vested groups are attempting to disrupt communal harmony to destabilize law and order, urging the government to remain vigilant against such elements. Dr. Khali d highlighted the economic progress under the interim government, noting an increase in the country's foreign exchange reserves, strengthening of the economy, and rising remittances. He also mentioned efforts to revitalize the activities of the Islamic Foundation, which had previously published numerous research books and encyclopedias-translations, now defunct. Furthermore, he announced plans to transform the national mosque, Baitul Mokarram, into an iconic mosque with enhanced beautification through renovation. Dr. Khalid assured that any irregularities in mosque-based public education would be investigated, with necessary actions taken against the culprits. Similarly, any discrepancies related to the construction of model mosques would also be addressed. In a bid to make religious pilgrimages more accessible, Dr. Khalid revealed that Hajj package expenses were reduced this year, and opportunities were created for Bangladeshis to perform Hajj via sea routes. He also announced that the Chief Advisor would soon inaugurate 40 model mosques, awaiting formal opening. The meeting was addressed by other officials, including Md Tabibur Rahman, Director of the Local Government Department of Khulna Divisional Commissioner Office, Personal Secretary of Religious Advisor Sadek Ahmed, and Md Anisuzzaman Shikder, Director of the Islamic Foundation of Rajshahi Divisional Office. The event was chaired by Md Yousup Ali, Deputy Director of the Local Government Division of Khulna DC office, with Md Zalal Ahmed, Director of the Islamic Foundation of Khulna Divisional office, delivering the welcome address.
