July 31 (V7N) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has declared that no attempt—whether direct or indirect, visible or covert—to divide Bangladesh along religious, ethnic, linguistic, or regional lines will be tolerated.

Speaking as chief guest at the biennial conference of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad's Barishal district chapter on Friday, the minister warned against any efforts to exploit religion for political or personal gain. "If anyone seeks to use followers of any religion for political or personal interests, or attempts to grab state machinery through religion, it must be understood that they are acting against the almighty, humanity, and the fundamental teachings of religion," he said.

Swapon drew a clear line between politics and religion, explaining that political ideology revolves around public welfare, while religious philosophy centers on the Creator. He stressed that no political symbol or leader is divine, and that people will accept leaders only as long as they serve the public good.

Emphasizing the importance of communal harmony, the minister urged believers to remain vigilant against those who misuse religion for selfish ends. "Whenever any quarter hatch conspiracy to delicately transform religious sentiments into communal divide, pious people must raise their voices and identify those who exploit religion," he added.

Reaffirming the government's commitment to equal rights for all citizens, Swapon described Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as the strongest representative of those who believe in equality. "That is why Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has clearly said religion belongs to individuals, but the state belongs to everyone," he noted.

The conference was chaired by Barishal District Puja Udjapan Parishad President Manik Mukharjee Kudu. Special guests included Barishal City Corporation Administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin and Zila Parishad Administrator Akon Kuddusur Rahman. Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad Central General Secretary Santosh Sharma delivered the main address.

Earlier in the program, the minister hoisted the national flag, inaugurated the conference by releasing balloons and pigeons, and honored five freedom fighters.

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