Dhaka: Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain emphasized the importance of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence as essential prerequisites for sustainable development and the construction of a progressive society. Speaking at the closing ceremony of a special training programme for project managers and executives at the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD) auditorium in Nilkhet, he highlighted the long-standing tradition of communal harmony in Bangladesh and warned against those who attempt to exploit communal sentiments for narrow interests.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Khalid stressed the government’s commitment to ensuring the security of all citizens, irrespective of religion or ethnicity, through reinforced law enforcement patrols. He urged collective efforts to strengthen unity among people of different faiths and emphasized the Ministry of Religious Affairs’ dedication to integrating marginalized communities and underprivileged women and children into the mainstream development processes.
He pointed out the significance of projects like the temple-based and mosque-based child and mass education initiatives, which provide both moral and modern education to children. Dr Khalid called on officials to ensure effective implementation of these projects and to safeguard against misuse of funds. He advocated for impartiality and professionalism in fulfilling responsibilities, urging officials to abandon partisanship and groupism to expedite national development.
The event was chaired by NAPD Director General (Senior Secretary) Siddiq Zobair and included addresses by NAPD Additional Director General Saima Afroz and Deputy Director and Course Director Abeda Sultana. The five-day training programme saw participation from 25 officials from various ministries and organizations, including the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Hindu Religious Welfare Trust.
The temple-based child and mass education project, funded by Taka 365 crore from the government, facilitates the operation of pre-primary, adult, and child education centers at 7,400 temples nationwide.