Desk Report:
Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Barrister Kaiser Kamal, stated that factors such as one’s origin—whether from the hills or the plains—ethnicity, or religion should not be grounds for division. We are all citizens of Bangladesh; we are all Bangladeshis. A Bangladesh founded on equality, freedom, and human dignity—ensuring the constitutional rights of every individual—must be established, and the current government is working toward this goal. He noted that every religion encourages seeking the pleasure of the Creator; if individuals faithfully follow their respective religious tenets, society will become more harmonious and peaceful.
He made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at ‘Dhaka Wangala 2026,’ held on Friday (November 6, 2026) at the grounds of Banani Bidyaniketan School and College in the capital.
The Deputy Speaker observed that the recent Durga Puja celebrations in post-independence Bangladesh were exceptionally festive—a level of joy and celebration perhaps never before witnessed in the country. This is largely because the rule of law has been established, and we have reclaimed a democratic Bangladesh where everyone, regardless of race, religion, or caste, enjoys the right to freedom of expression. By upholding the legal and constitutional rights of the people, we have ensured that everyone can fully exercise their religious freedom.
Recalling the contributions of the late President Ziaur Rahman toward enriching and refining Bangladesh’s cultural heritage, the Deputy Speaker noted that it was Ziaur Rahman who first brought together the diverse groups of Bangladesh by establishing ten cultural academies across the country—including one in Durgapur, Netrokona. He highlighted the vital role these institutions play in preserving the nation’s cultural diversity and heritage. He expressed a desire to further expand the activities of these cultural academies. Responding to a request from the organizers of ‘Dhaka Wangala 2026,’ he assured them that initiatives would soon be taken to establish both a cultural academy and a church in the Banani area. The Deputy Speaker stated that, in preparation for the upcoming Christmas 2026 celebrations, the Christian community had requested a grant of 20 million BDT (2 crore Taka) from Prime Minister Tareque Rahman. He noted that Prime Minister Tareque Rahman, showing empathy toward the Christian faith, directed that 30 million BDT (3 crore Taka)—10 million BDT (1 crore Taka) more than the requested amount—be granted to help make their festivities even more vibrant. In his remarks, Kaiser Kamal thanked the Prime Minister, expressing that this is the kind of leadership Bangladesh aspires to—a Prime Minister who remains empathetic toward all religions, humanity, and the people of Bangladesh, and who works to firmly establish the rights of every individual.
Barrister Kaiser Kamal remarked that, having emerged from a decade and a half of fascism, we have now attained a new, democratic Bangladesh. He emphasized the need to move past the past and, through the collective participation of all, build a future Bangladesh where human dignity is upheld, equality is established, and civil rights are guaranteed. To strengthen and sustain democracy, he called for the cooperation of all, regardless of social class, religion, or caste.
It is worth noting that the ‘Wangala Celebration Committee 2026’ organized the event, which was presided over by John Drong, the Nakma (head/leader) of the Dhaka Wangala 2026.
Greetings were delivered by Dipankar Richil, a former Nakma of the Dhaka Wangala and a Joint Director at Bangladesh Bank. Other speakers included Barrister Omar Sadat, a senior advocate at the Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Dr. Susan Vize, the UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh; Andrio Drong, a Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs; Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Kabir, Principal Advisor at Presidency University; Rezaur Rahman Fahim, a member of the Dhaka Metropolitan North BNP Convener Committee; and the Principal of Banani Bidyaniketan School and College. Moshiur Rahman; Cornelius Kama, Joint Commissioner of Taxes for Dhaka Tax Zone-3; Ripon Richard Sardar, President of the Nayanagar Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.; Michael Gomes, President of The Christian Co-operative Credit Union Ltd., Dhaka; and Bertin Gomes, Country Head of Good Neighbors Bangladesh.
At the beginning of the main event, the Deputy Speaker visited the stalls set up for ‘Dhaka Wangala 2026’. Following the discussion session, an engaging cultural program was presented.
The festival was attended by leaders of the Garo community, representatives from various social and cultural organizations, and a large number of visitors.
