Rangamati, Oct 11 (V7N) – Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain, Religious Adviser to the interim government, has said that he has no “second home” abroad and that he and his colleagues do not seek any “safe exit” after the upcoming national election. Instead, they will remain in Bangladesh following the transfer of power to an elected government.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday after attending a “Harmony Gathering” organized by the Parbatya Chattogram Olama Parishad in Rangamati, Dr. Hossain said the next national election will be held in February as scheduled. “The Election Commission has already completed its preparations. Once the election concludes, we will hand over power to the elected government and step aside. I do not believe in the concept of a safe exit. I have no second home, not even a personal house in Dhaka. I am a citizen of this country, and I will continue living here,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of unity and interfaith harmony, saying, “We want to live in the bond of harmony. Communal harmony is a fundamental aspect of our society. I am optimistic that through this spirit of harmony, people across the country, including the hill tracts, can live together peacefully.”
Dr. Hossain also reiterated that Bangladesh is a secular state where all religions are treated equally. “I go to mosques as part of my faith, and I also visit temples, churches, and monasteries while performing my official duties. The government allocates funds for all religious communities—Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians alike. There is no place for division or discrimination in state affairs,” he said.
The event was presided over by Maulana Haji Shariat Ullah, Central President of the Parbatya Chattogram Olama Parishad, and conducted by its General Secretary, Maulana Muhammad Abu Bakkar Siddiq.
Among those present were Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Sadeq Hossain, Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Md. Habib Ullah Maruf, Superintendent of Police Dr. S.M. Farhad Hossain, leaders of various political parties including the Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer, and representatives of multiple religious institutions.
The gathering, held to promote interfaith harmony and unity in the hill district, was attended by religious scholars and community leaders who pledged to strengthen peaceful coexistence among people of all faiths in Bangladesh.
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