Abu Sayeed Chand, the BNP-nominated candidate for the Rajshahi-6 constituency (Charghat-Bagha), has emphasised the importance of separating religion from political agendas, warning that certain parties are exploiting Islam to mislead the public. Speaking at a charitable winter-clothing distribution event on Wednesday, 14 January, he stated that if the BNP secures victory in the forthcoming 13th National Parliamentary elections, the government would operate on principles of justice and fairness across all administrative and social sectors.
“Islam is the faith of nearly 200 million Muslims worldwide. It is not the exclusive property of any political party,” Chand said. “Regrettably, some political groups are attempting to capitalise on religion to misguide the people. It is imperative that citizens from all walks of life remain vigilant against such tactics.”
The event, organised by a local poverty alleviation organisation, took place in Fatepur village of Shalua Union, Charghat Upazila. Winter clothing, including blankets, sweaters, jackets, socks, and hats, was distributed among the impoverished and marginalised communities.
Chand further stressed that using religion for political gain creates social confusion and division. “Politics and faith must remain distinct. No individual or party can exploit religion for personal or partisan advantage,” he asserted, calling on the public to remain alert and informed.
The details of the winter clothing distribution are summarised in the following table:
| No. | Type of Clothing | Quantity Distributed | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blanket | 150 | Poor and underprivileged families |
| 2 | Sweater | 200 | Children and the elderly |
| 3 | Jacket | 100 | Youth and women |
| 4 | Socks & Hat | 250 | Beneficiaries of all ages |
Local leaders and social workers attending the event noted that such initiatives not only provide physical warmth but also foster social solidarity and compassion within the community.
Chand pledged that under a BNP government, new development programmes would be introduced in the sectors of poverty alleviation, education, and healthcare. “Our goal is to ensure that every citizen’s fundamental rights are protected while upholding the true dignity and sanctity of religion,” he affirmed.
In a brief interaction with journalists, he reiterated the potential dangers of manipulating faith for confusion, stressing, “Turning religion into a tool for deception is harmful to any society. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent such influences.”