Staff Reporter:
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasised his party’s commitment to building a united Bangladesh, which will include all ethnic communities and actively promote their cultures and traditions, if elected in the next general election.
While speaking at a Wangala festival, the main cultural event of the Garo community, Fakhrul highlighted the ‘Rainbow Nation’ concept outlined in BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman’s 31-point agenda.
He also stressed that all communities in Bangladesh – Bengalis, Garos and other minority groups – are integral citizens of the country and pledged to promote their culture and traditions through government-sponsored initiatives, including a dedicated cultural academy and official recognition of their festivals.
The festival was held at the Bidyaniketan school and college ground in Banani area of Dhaka on Friday, he said that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman united people of all religions in a bond of identity with the idea of Bangladeshi nationalism.
Later, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia announced the formation of a separate department to protect the culture and heritage of the small ethnic groups.
“If we come to power, the establishment of a separate cultural academy in Dhaka and the official celebration of festivals of the ethnic minorities will be considered,” he made the pledge while addressing the function as the chief guest.
Fakhrul claimed to have already built a good understanding with the country’s ethnic minorities and said, “I came to learn about their challenges and needs and assured them that their demands would be addressed.”
“Although I am a bit unwell, I am happy to join the festival and proud to be part of the festival,” he said, seeking their support for the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ electoral symbol of the BNP in the upcoming general election.
Taking part in the function, Chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Andaleeve Rahman Partho, said that his party has deep respect and responsibility for all the small ethnic groups in the country, including the Garo community.
“There needs to be a big change in mindset. You (Garo community) can never be considered as weak. You may be fewer in number, but you are all Bangladeshis, you are your brothers,” he said.
While addressing the programme, BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Imran Saleh Prince, said that the idea of BNP founder Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman described everyone as Bangladeshi.
Khaleda Zia and Tarique Rahman have set the goal of building an inclusive and humane Bangladesh in the spirit of unity, he said.
He also announced that the Wangala festival will be held at Haluaghat on 15 November and invited everyone to participate in the festival.
