Politics exploiting religion must stop, PM's adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan says in Barishal

Exploiting religious belief to create conflict and gain political advantage must stop, the prime minister's political adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan MP has said. He said that instead of using religion for political ends, an environment of mutual respect, tolerance and harmony should be built.

He made the remarks on Monday (November 2) morning while speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting titled ‘What is needed to promote religious freedom and harmony’, held at the BDS auditorium in Barishal.

Zahir Uddin Swapan said that when conflict spreads from religious division, certain politically self-seeking groups are the ones who benefit. That is why, instead of using religion in the service of political interests, the practice of mutual respect and tolerance needs to grow.

He added that when conflict is created around religious belief, ordinary people suffer the most — yet it is those who practise politics by exploiting religion who draw the greatest benefit from it. This opportunistic politics, he said, must be stopped.

Stressing cooperation and dialogue to establish religious freedom and harmony, the adviser said there is no alternative to religious freedom and mutual harmony in building a democratic and inclusive society. The state, the administration, political leaders, civil society and religious leaders must all work together to ensure that every citizen, regardless of religion or caste, can practise their own faith.

Pointing to the negative side of social media, he said everyone must stay alert to rumours, propaganda and religious incitement spread online. Regular dialogue, mutual contact and cooperation among different religious communities can remove division and ensure peaceful coexistence, he said.

The meeting, chaired by Professor Gazi Zahid Hossain, president of the Barishal district FORB Forum, was attended by Barishal City Corporation administrator Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, Divisional Commissioner Khalil Ahmed, Charles Reed, director (operations) of the Church of England's FORB Agent of Change project and policy adviser, Barishal Press Club president Principal Aminul Islam Khosru, and Barishal Chamber of Commerce and Industry president and freedom fighter Ebayedul Haque Chan.

Political figures, representatives of non-governmental development organisations and religious leaders were also present at the meeting.