Thakurgaon, Mar 23 (V7N) – Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir emphasized that religion is a matter of personal faith and cannot be used for business or political gain. He made the remarks during the inauguration of the re-excavation work of the Hena River under the river, canal, and watercourse excavation program in Bhabla Hat, Raipur Union, Thakurgaon Sadar Upazila, on Monday morning.

The minister highlighted that 95 percent of Bangladesh’s population is religious, but religion cannot be “sold” for political purposes. He said, “We do not sell tickets to heaven like other leaders; we will go to heaven by worshipping through our work.”

He also assured the public that all pre-election promises made by the BNP will be fulfilled. “A party wants people to believe it can give tickets to heaven to mothers and sisters first, but no one can reach heaven without prayers, fasting, worship, and honest work. We must all live honestly,” he said.

On law and order, the minister warned, “Mobs will not be tolerated and will be suppressed with a strong hand. BNP has never tolerated corruption; if allegations arise against any party member, strict action will be taken.”

He also spoke about national discipline and ongoing challenges, saying, “No nation can progress without discipline. There is a major oil crisis due to the war. If there is a problem, there is a solution, but no work can be done by force outside the law. This government has only been in power for a few days; we must be given an opportunity to work.”

State Minister for the Ministry of Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad, local administration officials, and party leaders were present at the ceremony. The re-excavation project involves digging a 5.8-kilometer canal from Shaliksha to Sindurna Mouza at a cost of 1.14 crore taka. The work is expected to be completed by June 25.

The minister’s remarks underscore the government’s emphasis on honest governance, law and order, and the role of faith as a personal, rather than political, matter.

END/SMA/AJ