We will not sit at home if shrines are destroyed: State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad

State Minister for Water Resources Farhad Hossain Azad has said that they will not remain silent if any shrine or religious place is attacked or attempted to be destroyed. He said, “We will not sit at home if any shrine is destroyed. There are Pir-Tariqas, there are shrines—no shrine or religious place will be allowed to be destroyed.”

He made these remarks as the chief guest at the Eid-e-Miladunnabi program organized by the Debiganj Upazila branch of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at at Bijoy Chattar in Debiganj Municipal Sadar, Panchagarh on Wednesday (August 26) morning.

What the State Minister said about the shrines

Farhad Hossain Azad alleged that attempts were made to destroy various shrines in the country during the previous interim government. He claimed that during that time, attempts were made to destroy 127 shrines and initiatives were taken to close them.

He also alleged that a Muslim burned to death the keeper of another Muslim shrine. He also commented that if any attempt is made to destroy any shrine or religious establishment in the future, they will no longer stay at home.

Assurance of fertilizer supply for farmers

The State Minister for Water Resources also spoke about various problems of farmers at the event. He said that initiatives will be taken to appoint new dealers in areas where there are no fertilizer dealers.

He also assured that necessary measures will be taken so that farmers do not have to buy fertilizer at excessive prices. The State Minister also mentioned that the fertilizer crisis at the local level will be reduced by appointing dealers.

Solar project and election promise

Farhad Hossain Azad also said that initiatives will be taken to implement solar projects to meet the demand for electricity. He also spoke about implementing other promises including old age allowance, farmer cards as per election promises.

No exaggeration about religion

Regarding religion, the State Minister said that Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) came to earth to give people the right guidance. He also commented that they do not want to exaggerate about religion.

At that time, he mentioned the political context and said, “You will not be able to implement the Maududi Act. You thought you had come to power and formed the cabinet. But the people did not let you fulfill that hope.”

He urged everyone to remain united by following the ideals of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He also emphasized on learning from the life, principles and ideals of the Prophet (PBUH).

In his speech, he also discussed how the Prophet (PBUH) established justice when the wealth of traders in Medina was stolen and how he set an example of justice and humanity by forming Hilful Fuzul.

Those present at the event

President of the Debiganj Upazila branch of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jama’at Hamidul Islam presided over the event, and the head of the advisory council of the organization’s Upazila branch, Golam Mahbub Jihadi, spoke at the event.

Present at the event were Panchagarh District Jubo Dal President Ferdous Wahid Russell, Panchagarh Municipal BNP member Advocate MA Bari, Debiganj Upazila Branch President Abdul Gani Basunia, Municipal BNP President Sarkar Faridul Islam, General Secretary Ashraful Alam Sohel, Panchagarh District Chhatra Dal General Secretary Roknuzzaman Japan, Debiganj Upazila Volunteer Party Convener Kaderi Kibria Rana.

Also present were Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat's Debiganj Upazila Branch Member Secretary Mosharraf Hossain Babul, Educator and Khadem Ainal Haque, members Sujan Islam and Zakirul Islam, and leaders and activists of various levels.

The event was hosted by Shafiqul Islam, Executive Member of the Convening Committee of Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat's Debiganj Upazila Branch. Leaders, activists and supporters of the organization from various unions of Debiganj Upazila participated in it.