President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday urged Islamic scholars and religious thinkers to play a stronger role in promoting morality, patriotism and humanity among the youth and combating corruption, drugs, terrorism, communal hatred and violence against women and children.

“Drawing on the true teachings of Islam and the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), I hope you will come forward to inspire young people with morality, patriotism and humanity,” he said.

The President made the remarks while addressing the inaugural session of the 8th International Qirat Conference-2026 on the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque premises in Dhaka.

He said the Holy Quran is the final and complete guidance from Allah for humanity, providing a comprehensive way of life aimed at ensuring peace and welfare in this world and salvation in the hereafter.

“Alongside listening to Quran recitation, let us internalise its teachings and messages and lead our lives with truth, justice, patience and trust in Allah,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

He said Quranic teachings should serve as a guide in building a just, humane, peaceful and welfare-oriented society.

Referring to Bangladesh's tradition of communal harmony and religious coexistence, the President said people of the country had long lived together with mutual respect, tolerance and harmony.

He said the example set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in establishing a society based on mutual rights, peaceful coexistence and respect for people of different faiths should be followed in building peace and harmony in national life.

“We want to build a Bangladesh where religious people can freely practise their faith, people of all religions can live safely and with dignity, and justice, equality, human dignity and mutual harmony will form the foundation of the state and society,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

He said Bangladesh's rich Quranic tradition could be further advanced through institutional initiatives, internationally standardised education and effective participation in international platforms.

The President congratulated Bangladeshi Qaris for their success in international Quran competitions, saying they had brought honour to the country through their talent and competence.

He also praised the International Qirat Organisation Bangladesh for its role in promoting proper Quran recitation and training qualified Qaris and Hafizs to represent Bangladesh in international Quran competitions.

Mirza Fakhrul expressed hope that the organisation would expand its activities by arranging international Quran competitions, regular training, talent searches and programmes to improve the standards of Qaris and Hafizs.

He also called for unity and vigilance to prevent the recurrence of fascism, corruption and injustice.

“Division, vengeance and retaliation weaken society and the state in the long run,” the President said, adding that the teachings of the Quran and the noble ideals of the Prophet should guide people in preventing such tendencies.

Referring to the country's Islamic heritage, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had incorporated “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” into the preamble of the Constitution out of respect for the religious sentiments of the people.

Mirza Fakhrul said Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had great respect and affection for scholars and genuinely religious people and had made significant contributions to the service of Islam.

He said the present government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was working with respect for Islam, Islamic values and religious beliefs, as well as for the welfare of religious institutions and people engaged in religious activities.

The government was also working to ensure coexistence, freedom and security for followers of all religions and to strengthen communal harmony, the President added.

He thanked the organisers and participants of the conference and wished the visiting Qaris and guests from different countries a pleasant stay in Bangladesh.

Mirza Fakhrul prayed for peace, prosperity and continued progress of Bangladesh, stronger unity and solidarity among the Muslim Ummah, and the welfare of humanity as a whole.