Bangladesh’s Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku has credited the Hindu community with playing a significant role in the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP) electoral victory, saying their support made a difference in constituencies where he had previously struggled to win.
He made the remarks on Thursday night, October 15, during an exchange meeting with Hindu community leaders at his residence in Hosenpur, Sirajganj, ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.
Speaking about his electoral experience, Tuku said a substantial portion of the votes he received came from Hindu voters. He also noted that he had won in some polling areas where he had previously been unsuccessful, attributing the change to support from the community.
The minister said the BNP leadership recognizes this contribution, adding that he believes both Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and party members share the same view.
Addressing the gathering, Tuku emphasized that the party has a responsibility to maintain the trust of those who have recently joined its ranks. He also claimed that the current government had taken more steps for the Hindu community over the past seven months than the previous administration had in 15 years.
He said the government wanted to set an example of communal harmony, including through visits by the head of government to Durga Puja venues.
Tuku also stressed that the authorities were remaining alert to prevent anyone from exploiting the Durga Puja celebrations to create unrest or disturb communal harmony.
The meeting was attended by Sirajganj Deputy Commissioner Aminul Islam, Police Superintendent Saiful Islam Santu, district BNP General Secretary Saidur Rahman Bacchu, Vice-President VP Amar Krishna Das, Durga Puja Celebration Council President Santosh Kumar Kanu, and other Hindu community representatives.
The minister’s remarks come as preparations for Durga Puja continue across Bangladesh, with political leaders highlighting the importance of maintaining peaceful relations among religious communities.
Reporting by Borderless for The Borderless Journal. Filed under Uncategorized · 16 Oct 2026, 16:00.
