Diplomatic Correspondent

Minister for Religious Affairs Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain (Kaikobad) called upon citizens and expatriates to remain united under the spirit of November 7 to thwart domestic and foreign conspiracies and safeguard the nation's independence and sovereignty.

The Minister made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion organized by the Bangladesh Consulate General in Jeddah on Saturday morning to observe National Revolution and Solidarity Day 2026.

Highlighting the historic background of November 7, 1975, Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain stated that patriotic soldiers and citizens foiled anti-sovereignty plots through a bloodless uprising. He described late President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, as a visionary leader, recalling his declaration of independence from Chittagong’s Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra on March 26, 1971, and his subsequent contributions to restoring multi-party democracy, press freedom, and production-oriented politics in post-independence Bangladesh.

Referring to administrative measures, the Religious Affairs Minister noted that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had preserved the historic significance of the day by maintaining its national holiday status during her tenure. He added that under the leadership of Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, November 7 has been re-established with full state honors and a public holiday.

Outlining the government's future vision, the Minister reaffirmed the administration's commitment to building a self-reliant, discrimination-free state governed by the rule of law, freedom of speech, and economic security. He urged everyone to renew their pledge to national solidarity and state integrity.

The event was attended by Secretary of the Ministry of Religious Affairs Munshi Alauddin Al Azad, the Consul General, the Hajj Counsellor, consulate and ministry officials, local community leaders, expatriate Bangladeshis, and representatives of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its associate bodies.