LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today spoke at a prize-giving ceremony of the national-level recitation competition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita 2025 at the historic Dhakeshwari Temple. Photo : PID

DHAKA, April 4, 2026 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today urged all to remain united to preserve the long-standing tradition of fraternity and communal harmony in the country.

"There should be no division based on religion. Rather, development must be ensured through the collective efforts of all," he told prize-giving ceremony of the national-level recitation competition of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita 2025, organised by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad at the historic Dhakeshwari Temple premises in the capital.

Presided over by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar, the programme was attended by Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma as special guest. 

Miza Fakhrul said the government aims to build Bangladesh as a non-communal and harmonious country. "There should be no division based on religion. Rather, development must be ensured through the collective efforts of all," he said.

He added that it is the responsibility of everyone to uphold the thousand-year-old tradition of fraternity and coexistence. "Any attempt to disrupt this harmony will be dealt with firmly," he said.

Speaking as special guest, Indian High Commissioner Pranay Verma said India would always stand by Bangladesh in preserving the tradition of communal harmony and tolerance.

Prizes were distributed among the winners of the competition at the programme. 

Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Dhaka-7 constituency lawmaker Hamidur Rahman, journalists and distinguished persons were also present on the occasion.