Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday said no conspiracy based on religion or race will be allowed to succeed in Bangladesh, warning against attempts to exploit people's religious beliefs for political or other gains.
“If any quarter tries to exploit religious belief and religious practices to bring people under its influence, ordinary people will identify them. No conspiracy based on religion or race will be allowed to succeed in Bangladesh,” he said.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the biennial conference of the Barisal district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad at the Barisal District Shilpakala Academy.
He referred to Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s stance that religion belongs to individuals, while the state belongs to everyone.
Swapon said any attempt to capture the state in the name of religion or to use followers of any faith for political purposes amounts to communalism and runs contrary to the principles of religion.
"Whenever any group tries to turn religious belief and practice into a tool of communal politics, devout people themselves will identify those who exploit religion for personal or political gain," he added.
The minister also said political leaders should always work for the welfare of the people.
"As long as people believe that a political party's activities serve their interests, they will continue to support that party and its election symbol," he said.
Barisal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin and Barisal Zila Parishad Administrator Akon Quddusur Rahman, among others, were present with Manik Lal Mukharjee, president of the district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, in the chair.
