Govt stands for unity, not religious division: Fakhrul

Bangladesh is a country for people of every religion and should not be divided along communal lines, Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

Speaking at the opening of the Sri Sri Jagannath Rath Jatra Festival 2026 at Swamibagh Ashram in Dhaka on Thursday, the minister called on citizens to remain united and safeguard the country’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony.

The annual Rath Jatra, organised by ISKCON Bangladesh, is one of the country’s largest Hindu religious celebrations and attracts thousands of devotees each year.

Addressing worshippers and guests, Fakhrul said the government rejected any form of politics that sought to separate people on the basis of religion.

Instead, he said, the administration remained committed to bringing together citizens of all faiths under the ideals of Bangladeshi nationalism while continuing its focus on national development and public welfare.

He said Bangladesh’s progress depended on unity and cooperation among its diverse communities, adding that preserving social harmony was essential for the country’s future.

Referring to the 1971 Liberation War, the minister said people from Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian communities had fought side by side to secure the country’s independence.

He described that shared history as an enduring symbol of national unity.

Mirza Fakhrul also claimed that certain groups had repeatedly attempted to weaken communal harmony over the years. Without naming those responsible, he urged people to remain vigilant and work together to prevent any efforts aimed at creating religious division.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and Principal Secretary ABM Abdus Sattar attended the inaugural ceremony and discussion as special guests.

The Jagannath Rath Jatra marks the beginning of an important annual religious observance for the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The festival features colourful processions, devotional prayers and cultural activities, drawing large crowds of devotees and visitors to the capital each year.