Barishal: Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Friday declared that no conspiracy based on religion or race would be allowed to succeed in Bangladesh. He issued a warning against attempts to exploit people’s religious beliefs for political or other gains.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the minister emphasized that if any group attempts to manipulate religious beliefs and practices to exert influence, ordinary people will identify and resist them. Swapon made these remarks as the chief guest at the biennial conference of the Barishal district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, held at the Barishal District Shilpakala Academy.

Swapon referenced the stance of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, stating that while religion is a personal matter, the state belongs to everyone. He underscored that any effort to seize control of the state in the name of religion or to use followers of any faith for political purposes constitutes communalism and contradicts the principles of religion.

The minister further asserted that whenever a group tries to turn religious belief and practice into a tool for communal politics, devout people will recognize and resist those who exploit religion for personal or political gain. He stressed that political leaders should prioritize the welfare of the people.

Swapon concluded by stating that as long as people believe a political party’s actions serve their interests, they will continue to support that party and its election symbol. The event was attended by Barishal City Corporation Administrator Advocate Bilkis Akter Jahan Shirin, Barishal Zila Parishad Administrator Akon Quddusur Rahman, and former President of the district chapter of Puja Udjapan Parishad Rakhal Chandra Dey, among others, with Manik Lal Mukharjee, president of the district unit of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, presiding over the conference.