President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday called upon all to follow the life and teachings of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and uphold the values of truth, justice, honesty, tolerance, equality and humanity to build a peaceful, just and prosperous Bangladesh.
“Let us spread the message of peace and humanity of Islam instead of division and discrimination in the name of religion,” he said.
The President was speaking at the inauguration of the fortnight-long Sirat-un-Nabi (PBUH) programme organised by the Islamic Foundation at Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the evening on the occasion of Eid-e-Miladunnabi, the birth and demise anniversary of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
He said Eid-e-Miladunnabi is a sacred and glorious occasion for Muslims across the world and conveyed his greetings to the people of Bangladesh and Muslims worldwide.
Referring to the life and ideals of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Mirza Fakhrul said his character embodied truthfulness, justice, forgiveness, patience, humanity and profound compassion.
He said the Prophet (PBUH) provided clear guidance on the rights of women, children, neighbours and working people and taught that no person should be looked down upon because of religion, race, tribe, language, region or social status.
“Establishing human dignity and building a society based on justice and fairness were among his foremost teachings,” the President said.
He said the Prophet’s teachings remain particularly relevant in today’s world, where hatred, conflict, intolerance, discrimination, extremism, falsehood and moral degradation are spreading. “There is no alternative to following the ideals of the Prophet (PBUH) to overcome these challenges,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul also highlighted the teachings of the Prophet’s Farewell Hajj sermon on human dignity, equality, brotherhood, justice and mutual rights, saying these remain highly relevant to humanity.
He said Bangladesh has a long tradition of communal harmony and religious coexistence.
“The social system, mutual rights and example of peaceful coexistence established by the Prophet (PBUH) with followers of other faiths are also worthy of emulation in establishing peace and harmony in our national life,” the President said.
He expressed hope that Bangladesh will become a country where people of all faiths could practise their religions freely and live safe and dignified lives, with justice, equality, human dignity and mutual goodwill forming the foundation of the state and society.
Referring to the role of religious leaders, Mirza Fakhrul said ulema, scholars and pirs and mashayekh have an important responsibility in promoting truth, justice, honesty, brotherhood and humanity.
He urged them to play a stronger role in eliminating corruption, drugs, terrorism, communal hatred, rumours, violence, violence against women and children, and intolerance from society. “I hope that by highlighting the true teachings of Islam and the life and ideals of the Prophet (PBUH), you will inspire the younger generation to embrace morality, patriotism and human values,” he said.
The President also called for national unity to ensure that authoritarianism, fascism and injustice never return.
“We must follow the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), uphold the message of peace, justice and harmony inherent in religion, and remain united in protecting democracy, justice, good governance and the fundamental rights of the people,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul said the present government is committed to enhancing the dignity and welfare of religious leaders.
Monthly honorarium has already been introduced for imams, muezzins and khadims, while work has begun to extend similar support to service providers at other places of worship, he said.
“I hope that, in line with our commitment, all mosques and other places of worship across the country will come under the monthly honorarium scheme before 2030,” the President added.
He praised the Islamic Foundation for its long-standing role in religious education, Islamic culture, research, publications, mosque-based activities and promotion of religious values.
Mirza Fakhrul expressed hope that the Sirat-un-Nabi programme will help spread the message of peace, harmony and human welfare in Islam.
The President formally declared open the fortnight-long programme and wished all its activities success.
“May Almighty Allah grant us all the ability to follow the life and ideals of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH),” he said.
The programme was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain (Kaikobad), State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, senior officials of the ministry and Islamic Foundation, the Khatib of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, distinguished ulema and scholars, and invited guests.