Staff Correspondent, Narayanganj

Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, said that Muslims guarded Hindu temples. Communities protected their own neighborhoods. This is Bangladesh, and this is the spirit of Bangladesh. The country went through an unusual situation after August 5. For 15–20 days, there was little visible police activity. People protected each other, and students played a key role in safeguarding the nation.

Speaking on Saturday evening at the inaugural event of the Mayurpankhi Folk Stage at the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation in Narayanganj, Farooki made these remarks.

Farooki emphasized, "We will stand beside everyone, without looking at their religious or other identities. This is also the philosophy of the government. No one will be excluded based on religion, race, or any other identity. However, I do not deny that some isolated incidents have occurred surrounding cultural programs. The government has given instructions regarding these matters. Bangladesh is a land of diversity, and the government is working to preserve that diversity. Police have been instructed accordingly."

Addressing the issue of museum area development, Farooki said, "We have just come here, and our first realization is that the main obstacle to accessibility is the narrow entrance road. It causes problems for people.

He added, "For any nation, moving forward is a sign of capability. Moving forward also involves reflecting on the paths the nation has walked. The Folk and Crafts Foundation is tasked with focusing on this reflection. This fair reminds us of where we have come from."

The event was chaired by Kazi Mahbubul Alam, Director of the Bangladesh Folk and Crafts Foundation. Other attendees included Md. Mofidul Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs; Mohammad Zahidul Islam Miah, Narayanganj District Commissioner (DC); and Pratyush Kumar Majumder, Superintendent of Police for Narayanganj District.