KHULNA, Nov 09, 2024 (BSS) – Adviser to the ministry of Religious Affairs Dr A F M Khalid Hossain today opined that the country’s overall development was not possible without communal harmony.

“Traditionally Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. Co-existence of people of different ethnic groups is the characteristic of this country,” he said while addressing as the chief guest at a view exchange meeting with Islamic Scholars in the city.

Islamic Foundation organized the meeting at its Khulna divisional auditorium on ‘Establishment of Communal Harmony and Solving Social Problems by Ulama Mashaikhs.’

Addressing the meeting, the adviser said according to the country’s constitution, every citizen will enjoy equal rights in all fields including religion, politics and education.
 
But, he said some vested quarters are out to destroy communal harmony to destabilize law and order. The government must remain alert to resist them, he added.

The advisor said the country’s foreign exchange reserves increased after the interim government assumed office. The economy is strengthening and remittances are increasing.

Referring to the activities of Islamic Foundation, he said the present interim government has been working to infuse dynamism to the activities of the Islamic Foundation.

In this connection, he said the four departments of the foundation once published many research books including encyclopedias-translations which are now closed. This institution should be brought back to life, he added.

He further said that the national mosque Baitul Mokarram will be transformed into an iconic mosque and enhanced its beautification through renovation.

He, however, said irregularities of mosque-based public education will be investigated and action will be taken against the culprits. Action will also be taken if there are any irregularities related to the construction of the model mosques.

This year expenses of the Hajj package were decreased, he said, adding that opportunity was created so that the Bangladeshi people could perform Hajj by sea routes.

He informed the meeting that the Chief Advisor would inaugurate 40 model mosques, which are waiting for formal opening.

Director of the Local Government Department of Khulna Divisional Commissioner Office Md Tabibur Rahman, Personal Secretary of Religious Advisor Sadek Ahmed and Director of Islamic Foundation of Rajshahi Divisional Office Md Anisuzzaman Shikder addressed as special guests with Deputy Director of the Local Government Division of Khulna DC office Md Yousup Ali in the chair.

The director of the Islamic Foundation of Khulna Divisional office Md Zalal Ahmed delivered the address of welcome.