BNP leader Dr AZM Zahid Hossain reiterates Bangladesh’s tradition of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence. Photo : BSS

DINAJPUR, Jan 19, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has said Bangladesh is a safe place for people of all religions and ethnicities to practice their respective faiths freely, upholding Bangalee culture and religious harmony.

"This country is a safe place for people of all religions and communities to practice their own faiths. People of this country will observe their religious festivals in their own ways," he said.

Dr Zahid also said Muslims in the country have always extended cooperation to people of other faiths in celebrating their festivals. The age-old saying "religion belongs to individuals, festivals belong to all" will continue to carry a message of peace for everyone in the days ahead, he added.

He made the remarks on Sunday while speaking at the 16 Prahar Mahanaam Yoganusthan and Sri Sri Radha Gobinda Leela Kirtan programme at Ghoraghat in the district.

Dr Zahid Hossain said BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had established multi-party democracy in the country, while former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia devoted her life till her last days to the welfare of the people. 

He added their worthy son, BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, is continuing that legacy by campaigning for his 31-point programme for the welfare of the people and the country, assuring that the declared programme would reflect the hopes and aspirations of the people of this country.

Ghoraghat Upazila BNP President S M Shamim Hossain Chowdhury, Vice-President Mahbub Hossain Chowdhury, General Secretary Md Abu Sayeed, former President Md Sarwar Hossain, and Hindu Community leader Kalidas Sarker and Manoranjan Mohanta, among others, were present.

A week-long 16 Prahar Mahanaam Yoganusthan and Sri Sri Radha Gobinda Leela Kirtan programme, organised by the Sanatan Religious Community, began on Sunday noon at Rishighat village of Ghoraghat upazila in Dinajpur district.