Staff Correspondent

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Monday called for national unity to prevent the return of fascist rule and urged vigilance against attempts to create confusion in the name of religion.

He made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation of prominent Islamic scholars and religious personalities at Bangabhaban.

The delegation was led by Maulana Mufti Bashirullah, organising secretary of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.

Recalling the persecution of Islamic scholars and their experiences in prison under the previous regime, the President said the fall of autocracy has given the country an opportunity to rebuild itself.

“After the fall of autocracy, the Almighty Allah has given us an opportunity to build our country, and we must make the most of it through unity,” he said.

Mirza Fakhrul stressed that everyone should remain alert to ensure that fascist misrule never returns and that no one can mislead people in the name of religion.

He said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had great respect for Islamic scholars and religious leaders.

Citing his respect for Islam, the President said Ziaur Rahman incorporated “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” into the Constitution and included absolute trust and faith in Almighty Allah among the fundamental principles of state governance.

He said he is now a completely non-political person but will remain attentive to ensuring that no action is taken that hurts Islamic values or Shariah.

During the meeting, the delegation offered to use its Arabic language skills, communication abilities and personal connections to help increase trade, business and investment with wealthy and developed Middle Eastern countries and secure grant assistance.

In response, the President advised the delegation to maintain regular contact with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also assured them of his cooperation.

The delegation invited Mirza Fakhrul to visit Al Jamiatul Ahlia Darul Uloom Moinul Islam-Hathazari and Al-Jamiatul Islamia Azizul Uloom Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari.

The President expressed interest in visiting the institutions at a convenient time and meeting the Hefazat-e-Islam ameer.

The President’s military secretary and press secretary were present at the meeting.