Religious Affairs Minister urges unity in the spirit of 7 November to safeguard independence and sovereignty

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) has called on everyone to remain united in the historic spirit of 7 November to safeguard the country's independence and sovereignty by defeating all domestic and foreign conspiracies. He also expressed his resolve to establish the rule of law and build an equitable, discrimination-free and prosperous Bangladesh.

He made the remarks on Saturday (7 November) morning while speaking as chief guest at a discussion meeting organised by the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of National Revolution and Solidarity Day 2026.

The minister said that on 7 November 1975, patriotic soldiers and freedom-loving people, through a bloodless revolution, defeated all domestic and foreign conspiracies against the country's independence and sovereignty.

He said that at every difficult and critical moment in Bangladesh's national history, martyred President Ziaur Rahman Bir Uttam emerged with visionary and fearless leadership.

Recalling Ziaur Rahman's role during the Liberation War, the minister said that his declaration of independence on 26 March 1971 from the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra in Chattogram inspired the entire nation to join the Liberation War.

He further said that Ziaur Rahman saved a devastated Bangladesh from destruction. He also introduced multiparty democracy, restored freedom of the press, and launched a new trend of development- and production-oriented politics.

Referring to the present government's initiatives, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain said that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, through her uncompromising leadership and long rule, kept the day's national holiday and official status intact to preserve the historic contribution and spirit of 7 November.

He said that, in continuation of that, under the leadership of current Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Tarique Rahman, 7 November has been re-established with full state honour as 'National Revolution and Solidarity Day'. A national public holiday has been declared and several other steps taken so the day is observed with due solemnity and national enthusiasm.

Outlining the plan for a future Bangladesh, the minister said the government wants to build a Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman where there will be no place for discrimination and fascism. The rule of law and freedom of speech will be ensured.

Calling for stronger national solidarity, he said that on National Revolution and Solidarity Day a fresh oath must be taken so that everyone remains united in safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty and national solidarity.

Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, the Consul General, the Counsellor (Hajj), officials of the Consulate General and the ministry were present at the programme. Local dignitaries, expatriate Bangladeshis, and leaders of the BNP and its associate organisations also attended.