“People are being misled by using religion as a tool: Khokon”

Narsingdi, 11 January — Khairul Kabir Khokon, the Joint Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has warned against the manipulation of religion to mislead and deceive the public. Speaking at a prayer gathering in memory of the late BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, Khokon urged citizens to remain vigilant against those who exploit faith for personal or political gain.

The event was held on Sunday afternoon at Nasari Maidan in Daspara, organised by Wards 5 and 6 of Chinishpur Union. Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Khokon emphasised the need for awareness and caution, stating that those who commit acts of shirk (associating partners with God) and mislead people in the name of religion must not be trusted.

He remarked, “Some may ask whether you have seen the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol, the boat, or the plough. Now it is time for you to see us too. We remind you that in 1971, two hundred thousand mothers and sisters were stripped of everything, and 3.1 million were martyred at the hands of traitors, collaborators, and hypocrites. Do not be misled by false narratives.”

The gathering was presided over by Abdul Al Mamun Munshi, President of BNP’s Ward 6 unit, with Khalilur Rahman serving as the master of ceremonies. Several prominent BNP leaders were also present, reflecting the broad organisational representation across the district and city.

The ceremony concluded with special prayers and supplications (du’a and monajat) for the eternal peace of Begum Khaleda Zia’s soul, attended by a wide array of BNP leaders and supporters. The event underscored the party’s continued commitment to commemorating its late chairperson while addressing pressing social and political concerns in the community.

Khokon’s address highlighted the intersection of politics and religion in contemporary discourse, reminding citizens to exercise discernment and resist efforts to exploit faith for divisive purposes.