BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday urged the government to ensure that members of minority communities do not face any trouble or harassment in any way.

“We want to make it very clear to the government, especially to the law enforcement agencies — we don’t want to see you putting our minority brothers and sisters in danger or causing them any trouble. I’m saying this very clearly today,” he said.

Fakhrul made the call at a programme at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office organised to welcome around 50 members of the Hindu community who joined the party.

“We receive many reports. Please, do not harass people from these communities. They are our members, our brothers. We are with them and will remain beside them with all our strength,” the BNP leader said.

Welcoming the new members, Fakhrul said, “You can be sure from now on — you are our friends, and we are with you.”

The BNP leader called for building greater unity among all people to move beyond past divisions. “Some people, some countries and some media outlets outside are trying to spread false propaganda about Bangladesh. We want to change that false perception.’

Reflecting on the party’s vision, Fakhrul said BNP believes in Bangladeshi nationalism and non-communal politics. “Our Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia, in 2016, presented her vision for Bangladesh in 2030. One of her goals was to make Bangladesh a ‘rainbow state’, where all colours blend together in harmony.

He also said BNP leaders and activists stood by the Hindu community during Durga Puja celebrations across the country, including in his own area of Thakurgaon. “There are 265 Puja mandaps there and our leaders shared the joy of the festival with the community,” he mentioned.

Warning against attempts to divide the nation, Fakhrul said, “Some people are trying to break the unity that was created during the Liberation War of 1971 and the people’s uprising of 2024. We are strongly against such divisions. We, the people of this land — Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, Chakmas, Marmas and others — all want to live together in peace.”

The BNP leader said their party wants every citizen, regardless of religion, to have access to education, healthcare and employment.

“We don’t want leaders who will flee like those of the Awami League. We want leaders who will stand with the people and lead from the front,” he observed.

Fakhrul mentioned that Hindu community leaders Kapil Krishna Mondol and Somnath Dey will soon organise a large gathering where BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman will address the participants virtually.

“We can assure that from this moment, we will stay alert to your needs and remain beside you in all circumstances. You are our brothers. We are with you, and with all our strength, we will continue to stand by you,” the BNP leader told those who joined the party.