Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury spoke today as the chief guest at the "Magura District Matua Community Conference 2026". Photo: BSS

MAGURA, June 20, 2026 (BSS) - Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury today said the philosophy of the Matua community serves as a unique inspiration for building an inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh, reaffirming the government's commitment to ensuring equal rights and security for all citizens.

Speaking as the chief guest at the "Magura District Matua Community Conference 2026", held in a festive atmosphere, the minister said, "The essence of all religions is peace, equality and human values."

A criminal has no religion. Whoever commits a crime is a criminal, regardless of his or her faith, the minister added. 

He said the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is determined to ensure equal rights and security for every citizen of the country. 

"The government believes in action, not words," he added.

The minister said an extraordinary social and spiritual awakening began in Bengal through the efforts of Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur.

"It was not merely a religious movement; it was a resistance against superstition and a struggle to secure the rights of deprived people. Through the philosophy of 'Work in Hand and God's Name on the Lips', they empowered society to become self-reliant," he said.

Assuring patronage for the traditional musical instruments, culture and festivals of the Matua community in Magura, the minister announced that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs would soon undertake specific projects for the development and preservation of Matua culture in the district.

Advocate Nipun Roy Chowdhury, Member of Parliament from a reserved women's seat and representative of the Hindu Welfare Trust, addressed the conference as a special guest.

Among others, Member of Parliament for Magura-1 constituency Md Monowar Hossain, Member of Parliament from a reserved women's seat Advocate Newaz Halima, Magura Deputy Commissioner Motakabbir Ahmed, District Council Administrator Ali Ahmad and Superintendent of Police Molla Azad Hossain were present.

The conference was presided over by Padmanabh Thakur, regarded as one of the foremost spiritual leaders and gurus of the Matua community at present.

Magura Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer, central and local leaders of the Matua community, and thousands of Matua devotees and followers from different parts of the country also attended the conference.