Photo : BSS

BAGERHAT, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS) - More than 500 members of the Hindu community formally joined the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) at a ceremony held in Mollahat in the district, where prayers were also offered for the early recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia.

The programme took place on Saturday evening at the Rangamatia Universal Durga Temple premises in Kodalia Union. New members were welcomed into the BNP by offering flowers to Upazila BNP President Sheikh Hafizur Rahman and General Secretary Md. Harun Al Rashid. The event was presided over by Rangamatia Universal Durga Temple President Subal Krishna Biswas.

Speaking as the chief guest, Upazila BNP President Sheikh Hafizur Rahman said the BNP has always been committed to ensuring the rights and security of people of all religions and communities. 

He noted that Begum Khaleda Zia has repeatedly emphasized that the Hindu community is an integral part of the country. 

"The large number of traditional religious followers joining BNP today is a reflection of this unity. We welcome you. Your trust is a source of pride for us," he said. He also appealed for prayers for the recovery of the ailing party chairperson.

Upazila BNP General Secretary Md. Harun Al Rashid, in his keynote address, said the day's event demonstrated that the BNP is a national force comprising people of all religions and communities. 

"Those who joined BNP today did not just join a political party -- they joined a movement to protect freedom, democracy and voting rights," he said. 

He added that collective efforts would help Bangladesh return to a path of fair elections, justice, equality and peace.

Special guest Kodalia Union BNP President BM Nizam Uddin Miku and special speaker Hedayet Molla also addressed the gathering.

The leaders under whose initiative more than 500 Hindu men and women joined the BNP include Subal Chandra Biswas, Ashok Sikder, Nirmal Sarkar, Shailen Gain, Kishore Shikari, Gopal Mandal, Bikendra Nath Biswas and Devdas Mahari. Along with them, leaders and activists of the Upazila BNP and its affiliated organisations were present.

The programme concluded with special prayers for the speedy recovery of Begum Khaleda Zia.