BNP Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has criticised the use of religion to incite fanaticism, declaring that such actions are not aligned with the Bangladesh envisioned by the nation’s freedom fighters.
Mirza Fakhrul expressed grave concern over recent events while speaking at an event organised by the Doctors’ Association of Bangladesh (DAB) at the National Press Club on Wednesday (27 November).
The discussion, titled ‘The Role of the Medical Community in the Fall of Tyranny, Democratic Movements, and Nation Building’, was held to mark the 2024 Shaheed Dr Milon Day.
"We have been deeply concerned and alarmed over the past few days. Can you imagine the frenzy being stirred up using religion? Can you fathom that we fought so long for a free and independent media, only to witness its offices being set ablaze? This is not the Bangladesh I want to see," Fakhrul asserted.
He lambasted certain individuals on social media for promoting chaos.
"A handful of people are writing slogans like ‘burn it down’ and ‘set it alight.’ Have you noticed where they are trying to take Bangladesh?"
Fakhrul asked rhetorically, adding that these divisive actions pose serious threats to national unity.
Addressing social media influencers directly, he remarked, "It is unfortunate that some individuals consider themselves immensely popular or the most patriotic. They are pushing the entire nation towards division and darkness. Reflect on this—are those advocating for division truly our allies or our enemies?"
Fakhrul further elaborated that societal unity must begin at home.
"No matter how much we talk about global harmony, if divisions persist within our own household, we can never rectify the larger picture."
Turning his attention to the interim government, Fakhrul reminded them of their roots in student and public movements.
"This government was not established out of anyone’s mercy but stands on the blood of students and citizens. The fundamental goal of a democratic state must guide this government’s actions," he stated, cautioning them against making statements that could mislead the public.
His remarks come amid growing tensions in Bangladesh, with escalating concerns about the misuse of religion and the role of social media in stoking discord.
