Newly appointed State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser on Sunday said utmost efforts will be made to ensure that people of all faiths and opinions can express their views freely from their respective positions.
He was exchanging views with journalists at the conference room of the Ministry of Religious Affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat here on Sunday afternoon, said a press release.
The state minister said Bangladesh is unique because the overwhelming majority of its people are pious, describing the country as a land of communal harmony and religious people.
“If followers of every religion truly practice and uphold the teachings of their respective scriptures, communal harmony in the country will be strengthened further,” Shamim said.
Referring to the establishment of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had realized the need for a dedicated ministry for religious affairs in Bangladesh, while former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia highly valued religious principles.
He said the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has grown into a major political force because it placed importance on Bangladeshi nationalism and religious values, earning a place in the hearts of the country’s people.
Responding to a question regarding a statement issued by an organization over his appointment as state minister, Shamim said it was unrealistic to expect unanimous acceptance of any political decision or appointment by cent of the people.
“In any election, no political party receives the support of cent percent of the people. Likewise, no appointment will be liked by everyone. Sometimes, if an issue is not clearly explained or only partial information is circulated, misunderstandings may arise,” he added.
“Greater communication and discussions will help resolve any misunderstandings, InSha’Allah,” said the state minister.
The state minister said he visited Jamia Madania Baridhara on Saturday and held discussions with several senior Islamic scholars associated with Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.
“The Islamic scholars I sat with yesterday (Saturday) had some questions. I believe I was able to satisfy them. They welcomed me warmly,” he added.
Shamim said that the Ministry of Religious Affairs works with the coexistence and religious values of all prominent Islamic scholars of different views in Bangladesh.
“The ministry does not work only for Islam. I will reach out to leaders and spiritual guides of other religions as well. Any confusion that exists will be removed,” he added.
Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, Islamic Foundation (IF) Director General Mohammad Mohibbullahil Baqee, and Additional Secretary (Hajj Wing) of the ministry Dr Md Ayatul Islam were present on the occasion, among others.
Earlier, the state minister exchanged views with officials of the ministry and organizations under it.
