No other country matches Bangladesh in communal harmony: Muktadir
Minister Highlights Bangladesh’s Tradition of Religious Coexistence
Bdbusinessdaily.com – Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has described communal harmony as one of Bangladesh’s defining strengths, saying the country’s people have long lived alongside one another with mutual respect across religious communities.
During visits to several Durga Puja mandaps in Sylhet on the night of 19 October, Muktadir said the peaceful observance of religious occasions should be viewed as a fundamental right for citizens of every faith. His remarks came as Hindu communities marked Durga Puja, one of their most important annual religious festivals.
“By the grace of Almighty Allah, there is no second country in the history of the world like Bangladesh in terms of communal harmony. This is our pride,” he told journalists.
The minister said Bangladesh’s social fabric was built on the ability of people from different religious backgrounds to celebrate their traditions without fear or obstruction. In his view, that shared civic space remains a matter of national pride and an important feature of the country’s identity.
He also addressed incidents that can threaten religious harmony, saying such disruptions occur when groups with political motives seek to create instability. Muktadir said vested interests attempting sabotage for political gain were responsible for undermining peaceful relations between communities.
Peaceful Festivals and Public Confidence
Religious festivals often bring communities together in public spaces, from neighbourhood mandaps and markets to family gatherings and cultural programmes. Muktadir’s Sylhet visits placed emphasis on the importance of ensuring that these occasions remain secure and accessible to all citizens.
His comments linked communal peace not only to religious freedom but also to the wider confidence people need to participate openly in social and cultural life. The minister said people of all faiths were entitled to celebrate their religious events in a peaceful environment.
By identifying politically motivated sabotage as a risk, he argued that preserving harmony requires vigilance against attempts to turn religious differences into confrontation. The underlying message was that communal peace should not be treated as an occasional concern limited to festival periods, but as a continuing national responsibility.
Trade Plans Remain Central to LDC Transition Strategy
Earlier in the day, Muktadir spoke with journalists in Sylhet after a reception for national-level winners of the New Buds Sports-2026 programme. Alongside his remarks on communal harmony, he discussed Bangladesh’s preparations for its transition from the least developed country category.
The government expects the country’s graduation from LDC status to be deferred by three years, he said. Muktadir expressed hope that the United Nations General Assembly would adopt a resolution on the proposed extension during the current month.
The expected delay is significant because Bangladesh is seeking additional time to prepare for changes associated with graduation. Muktadir said the three-year postponement would be completed in three phases, giving the country a longer period to advance trade arrangements and support its export interests.
European Union FTA a Major Goal
A central objective is the completion of a free trade agreement with the European Union before Bangladesh leaves the LDC category. Muktadir said the government had set an ambitious target for finalising the proposed agreement within that timeframe.
He said officials were working on the planned FTA with the EU while also taking steps to conclude a trade agreement with North Korea soon. The minister presented these efforts as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Bangladesh’s external trade position.
Muktadir expressed hope that an agreement with the EU could be completed before LDC graduation, allowing Bangladeshi export goods to retain duty-free access to global markets. He said such trade arrangements could help attract more investment and expand overseas sales of products made in Bangladesh.
For businesses and workers connected to export-oriented manufacturing, the direction of these negotiations carries practical importance. Trade terms can influence the competitiveness of locally produced goods, while investment flows can affect opportunities for industrial growth. The minister’s comments indicated that the government sees trade agreements as a key tool for managing the economic effects of LDC graduation.
Sports Programme Tied to Government Commitments
At the New Buds Sports-2026 event, where he attended as chief guest, Muktadir also spoke about the government’s sports development plans. He said the New Buds initiative was launched after the government assumed office and formed part of its election commitments.
The government has additionally announced a plan to establish one playground for every three wards, he said. Muktadir voiced hope that the programme would be carried out successfully in Sylhet as well.
His remarks brought together several themes of public life: the protection of peaceful religious observance, preparation for a changing trade environment, and support for youth-focused sports infrastructure. While these issues differ in scope, they reflect a broader focus on community participation, economic readiness and local development.
For Sylhet residents visiting Puja mandaps or following the sports programme, the minister’s message was that public life should remain open, peaceful and inclusive. At the national level, he presented Bangladesh’s communal harmony and economic preparation as areas in which the country should continue to build confidence.
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