BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday called upon members of all ethnic and indigenous communities to take pride in their Bangladeshi identity and claim their full rights as citizens. He also pledged that if the BNP returns to power, it will take sincere and practical steps to address the longstanding problems faced by different ethnic groups across the country.Speaking at the Dhaka Wangala Festival 2025, held at Banani Bidyaniketan School and College in the capital, Mirza Fakhrul particularly assured the Garo community of his party’s commitment to protecting their cultural and social interests. The event was organized by the community to celebrate Garo culture and indigenous heritage through their traditional post-harvest festival, known as the “Hundred Drums Festival.”
“If the BNP comes to power, we will definitely consider your problems very seriously,” Fakhrul said.
He noted that BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman had clearly stated in the 31-point reform agenda announced in 2022 that the party envisions building a “rainbow nation” in Bangladesh.
“He (Tarique Rahman) said we will create a rainbow nation — a nation where all communities can live with dignity and contribute equally to its progress,” the BNP leader said.
Mirza Fakhrul emphasized the importance of improving the socioeconomic conditions of ethnic minorities while preserving and promoting their unique cultural identities.
“Our responsibility is to integrate all communities into the mainstream of society, to enhance their economic well-being, and at the same time to protect and promote their traditions and heritage. I believe this is a major national task,” he added.
Greeting the Garo community on the occasion of Wangala, the BNP Secretary General said he had recently developed close ties with several indigenous communities through visits to their gatherings in Mymensingh and other regions, where he had the opportunity to discuss their challenges.
“I was deeply impressed by their vibrant culture and their contribution to production. The Garo people are simple, honest, and hardworking,” Fakhrul remarked.
He urged all members of indigenous and ethnic communities to take pride in their citizenship, saying, “You have to stand tall as Bangladeshi citizens.”
Fakhrul recalled that late President Ziaur Rahman, the founder of the BNP, introduced the concept of Bangladeshi nationalism to recognize all communities living in the country — not just Bengalis. “He gave due recognition to our indigenous and ethnic groups,” he said.
Touching on broader political issues, Fakhrul said the BNP is not concerned about any alliance involving Jamaat-e-Islami, reiterating that the party will firmly resist any attempt to use religion as a tool in elections.
Regarding future plans, he said that if the BNP assumes office, it will consider establishing a separate Cultural Academy for small ethnic communities in Dhaka, and ensure that the Wangala Festival receives formal recognition and government support.
Among others, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP) Chairman Andaleeve Rahman Partho, BNP Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince, Presidency University Vice-Chancellor Prof. A.H.M. Faruk, and Director of the Birishiri Cultural Academy Porag Ritchil also spoke at the event.