Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. AFM Khalid Hossain.File Photo

DHAKA, Dec 24, 2025 (BSS) - Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain 
today said communal harmony and peaceful coexistence are essential 
prerequisites for sustainable development and building a progressive society.

"Bangladesh has enjoyed a long tradition of communal harmony and social amity 
since time immemorial, but a section of people is trying to exploit communal 
sentiments to serve their narrow interests," he said.
 
Dr Khalid was addressing the closing ceremony of a special training programme 
for project managers and executives as the chief guest this afternoon at the 
auditorium of the National Academy for Planning and Development (NAPD) at 
Nilkhet in the capital.

The training was organised under the temple-based child and mass education 
project implemented by the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust.

The adviser said the government has strengthened patrols by law enforcement 
agencies, and it remains fully committed to ensuring the security of all 
citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

Khalid urged everyone to work together to further strengthen unity among 
people of different faiths, saying, "The Ministry of Religious Affairs has 
been working to bring marginalised communities and underprivileged women and 
children into the mainstream of development."

"Alongside the temple-based child and mass education project, the mosque-
based child and mass education project is providing both moral and modern 
education to children," he added.

He called upon all project-related officials to ensure proper and effective 
implementation of these initiatives and urged vigilance to ensure that 
project funds are not misused under any circumstances.

"Our personal affiliations may differ, but when we take on responsibilities, 
we must work impartially and discharge our duties with professionalism, 
honesty and sincerity," he said.

He further called for abandoning the mindset of partisanship and groupism to 
accelerate national development.

Chaired by NAPD Director General (Senior Secretary) Siddiq Zobair, it was 
also addressed by NAPD Additional Director General Saima Afroz and Deputy 
Director and Course Director Abeda Sultana.

A total of 25 officials, including project directors, deputy project 
directors and assistant project directors from the Ministry of Religious 
Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Socio-Economic Infrastructure Division, IMED, 
Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and concerned projects, participated in the 
five-day training programme.

Temple-based child and mass education project is being implemented at a cost 
of Taka 365 crore with government funding. Under the project, pre-primary, 
adult and child education centres are being operated at 7,400 temples across 
the country.