ET Desk: Md. Ismail Zabihullah, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Public Administration (holding the rank of Minister) and a member of the BNP’s National Standing Committee, has stated that the current BNP government is committed to maintaining religious harmony and establishing a merit-based administration.
On Tuesday, an exchange meeting was held with leaders from the Lakshmipur district, municipal, and upazila units of the BNP, as well as its affiliated and associate organizations. Following this, he visited various Puja mandaps in Lakshmipur Sadar, Kamalnagar, and Ramgati upazilas. The advisor extended his greetings to the followers of the Sanatan faith on the occasion of the Sharadiya Durgotsab (Durga Puja) festival.
The advisor stated that merit and competence are being prioritized in the transfer, posting, promotion, and recruitment processes within the public administration. We aim to move past the divisions and partisan considerations of the past to build a merit-based Bangladesh. No one will be denied a position or subjected to discrimination solely on the basis of their religious identity; conversely, no one will be granted any preferential treatment due to their religion.
He further stated that, in accordance with the government’s 2026 election manifesto, monthly honorariums and festival allowances are being provided not only to mosque imams, muezzins, and caretakers (khadems), but also to priests, sebait’s, heads of religious institutions (adhyakshas), deputy heads (upadhyakshas), and clergy serving in Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian places of worship. Within the next four years, all mosques, temples, pagodas, and churches across the country will be brought under this program.
During his visits to the Puja mandaps, he inspected the Sri Sri Shyamsundar Jiu Akhra, Sri Sri Anandamoyee Kali Bari, Rakshakali Bari, Manasa Bari Durga Puja mandap, Bijoy Swarani Trinayani Puja mandap, and the Kundabari Sri Sri Thakur Ram Chandra Deb Seba Mandir in Bhabaniganj, located in Lakshmipur Sadar Upazila. Furthermore, he visited the Sri Sri Ramthakurangan Sarbajanin Durga Puja mandap and the Sri Sri Burakarta Ashram Sarbajanin Durga Puja mandap in Ramgati Upazila, as well as the Sri Sri Rakshakali Mandir and Sri Sri Harinarayan Sebashram in Kamalnagar Upazila, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining religious harmony.
After visiting his mother’s grave in Kamalnagar, the Prime Minister’s Advisor on Public Administration addressed a gathering of local citizens. He remarked that in a democratic state, criticism and differences of opinion are natural—indeed, they are the very beauty of democracy. However, when it comes to sovereignty and the broader national interest, we must all remain united, regardless of our political affiliations, beliefs, or religion. Ultimately, we must remember that this country belongs to us; its sovereignty and its territory are ours. The current vision and core political philosophy of our party is: “Bangladesh first, and a Bangladesh for all.”
Subsequently, the Adviser for Public Administration visited the proposed site for a Technical Training Centre (TTC) project—estimated to cost 75 crore taka—located in Char Sita Mouza, Ramgati Upazila. During the visit, the Adviser inspected the proposed land, accessibility, and overall infrastructural feasibility of the project. Following the inspection, the Adviser noted that this TTC project would play a vital role in equipping local youth with technical skills, thereby preparing them for employment opportunities both domestically and abroad. He provided necessary directives to ensure that the construction work is completed within the stipulated timeframe, while maintaining transparency and high quality standards. The project director from the relevant Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, along with the Upazila Executive Officer, were present during the visit.
