Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said BNP didn’t do anything for religion but it
uses religion when elections come.
“BNP-Jamaat use religion when polls come. But the party (BNP) didn’t do anything for the religion rather they try to create religious conflict. Awami League doesn’t use the religion for any political gain and we are working for the welfare of Islam and wellbeing of alem-olemas,” he said.
The minister was addressing a discussion on COVID-19 awareness and Narayanganj district best award 2021 giving ceremony at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.
Narayanganj Zilla Samity organized the function with Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi Bir Pratik in the chair.
Dr.Hasan added: “We are also working for ensuring the rights of other religions as none can obstruct towards enjoying their religious freedom. The state also works for their welfare. We achieved the independence in exchange of blood of people of all faiths under the leadership of Bangabandhu.”
He said Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has done many works for the Islam which was not held during any other’s tenure.
“There was a demand for hundred years of alem’s society to establish an Islami-Arabic university. But it was not fulfilled even during Pakistan regime. But Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has established the Islami-Arabic University in 2013. It’s now reality, not a dream,” he added.
He said none, including Ziaur Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia and Ershad, recognized the Qawmi Madrasha. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has recognized the certificate of Qawmi Madrasha and also provided jobs for them (students), he added.
He said the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has started the works of establishing mosque at every district and every upazila while many mosques at district and upazila levels have been constructed and were inaugurated.
“The minister said there were only a few masque-based maktabs across the country before 13 years ago and the alems got only Taka 500 as allowance. But, now about two lakh mosque-based maktabs have been established after the Awami League government took charges and the alems are getting Taka 5,200 as allowance,” said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.
The minister said BNP and Jamaat together were in power from 2001 to 2006, but they did nothing, he added.
He said they (BNP-Jamaat) only did politics with religion and tried to get vote through hurting the religious feelings and giving anti-religion slogans. The minister urged all to remain alert against the persons who use the religion for their own interest.
Dastagir said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did many things for the welfare of the Islam. Islami Foundation was established by him and he banned alcohol and gambling, he added.
But, Ziaur Rahman started those after the assassination of Bangabandhu, said Dastagir.
Dhaka University former dean Professor Dr Abdul Aziz, Narayanganj Zilla Parishad chairman Md Anowar Hossain and AL district leaders, among others, addressed the function.
Later, the minister distributed awards and prizes among the winners of Qirat competition of Narayanganj district and the best social workers and organizations of the district.
