Lalmonirhat: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain emphasized today that Bangladesh has long been a beacon of communal harmony, urging citizens to unite for national development beyond divisions. Addressing a discussion meeting titled "Communal Harmony and a Peaceful Bangladesh" at the Lalmonirhat District Council Auditorium, Dr. Khalid underscored the importance of unity among diverse communities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Khalid highlighted the contrast between Bangladesh and its neighbors, India and Myanmar, noting that while conflicts do occur in Bangladesh, they are predominantly political rather than communal. He praised the longstanding tradition of different religious and ethnic groups coexisting peacefully, citing examples from the Liberation War of 1971 and the July Revolution of 2024 where people stood united against common challenges.
Dr. Khalid stressed that Bangladesh is a nation for all its people, whether Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, or from ethnic minorities, with equal rights guaranteed for everyone. He reassured that the government is committed to preventing any violations of these rights and emphasized the state's responsibility in maintaining this harmony.
The Adviser also addressed the economic implications of communal harmony, stating that a lack of it would deter foreign investment, tourism, and development. He called for collective efforts to strengthen the environment of amity, particularly in Lalmonirhat, a district he praised for its peaceful coexistence among religious institutions.
Dr. Khalid expressed concern over the insufficient development in Lalmonirhat over the past 17 years and urged the electorate to choose a representative in the upcoming national parliamentary election who could transform the district. He concluded by quoting a Hadith on communal harmony, highlighting the extraordinary example set by the Holy Prophet's (peace be upon him) war ethics.