Bangladesh Has a Glorious Tradition of Communal Harmony and Religious Coexistence: Mirza Fakhrul Islam

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that Bangladesh has a proud tradition of communal harmony and religious coexistence, with people of different faiths living together with mutual respect, tolerance and harmony for generations. He made the remarks while inaugurating the Siratunnabi (PUBH) programme at the eastern courtyard of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka on Tuesday on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi. Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaykobad) MP chaired the programme, while Religious Affairs Deputy Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser MP attended as a special guest. Senior government officials, the Baitul Mukarram khatib and prominent ulema and pir-mashayekh were also present.

The President said the example set by Prophet Muhammad (PUBH) of establishing a society based on mutual rights and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths should be followed to establish peace and harmony in national life. He highlighted initiatives taken by former President Ziaur Rahman, including adding “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” to the Constitution’s preamble, establishing Islamic cultural centres in four divisional cities and setting up the Imam Training Academy. He added that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia introduced the mosque-based child and mass education programme in 1993 and established the Imam-Muezzin Welfare Trust in 2001.

President Mirza Fakhrul also said the current government is committed to enhancing the dignity and welfare of religious leaders. Monthly honorariums have already been introduced for imams, muezzins and khadems, while similar allowances for service providers at other religious places are also being introduced. “I hope that before 2030, all mosques and other religious places in the country will come under the monthly honorarium scheme as promised,” he said. Describing Eid-e-Miladunnabi as a sacred occasion for Muslims worldwide, the President paid tribute to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said he was sent by Allah for the guidance and welfare of humanity.

Addressing religious leaders, he urged them to help eliminate corruption, drugs, terrorism, communal hatred, rumours, violence and intolerance from society. He also called on them to inspire young people with the Prophet’s teachings and promote morality, patriotism and humanitarian values. He said division, revenge and retaliation cannot strengthen a nation. Calling for unity to prevent the return of authoritarianism, fascism and injustice, he urged people to uphold democracy, justice, good governance and fundamental rights through the Prophet’s teachings of peace, justice and harmony. The President also praised the Islamic Foundation for its contributions to religious education, Islamic culture, research, publications and mosque-based activities, expressing hope that Eid-e-Miladunnabi programmes would help spread Islam’s message of peace, harmony and human welfare.