Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday called on citizens to set aside their differences and unite in the interests of the country, its people and Muslims worldwide, as the nation celebrated Eid-ul-Adha.

Alamgir made the remarks at his residence in Thakurgaon after attending prayers at the town’s central Eidgah ground, where he had earlier exchanged greetings with locals.

He characterised the ritual slaughter not as killing but as an act of devotion. “Qurbani (sacrificing livestock) is not killing; it’s an example of truth and acceptance, a worship to attain closeness to Allah,” he said.

The minister also offered prayers for all Muslims to remain in peace and to be spared harm from wars and conflicts.