Dhaka: Terming people of the country "religious" and not fanatics, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon all not to use religion as a political tool.

"The people of Bangladesh are religious, not fanatics. Don't use religion as a political tool. Everyone has the right to practice their own religion. It (Bangladesh) is a country of communal harmony. It was liberated with the blood of Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians," the premier said while addressing the nation from Gono Bhaban, on the occasion of Victory Day.

"This is the Bangladesh of Lalon, Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Jibanananda Das. This is the Bangladesh of Shahjalal, Shah Paran, Shah Makhdum and Khanjahan Ali. This is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Bangladesh; Bangladesh of sixteen and a half crore Bangalees. This country belongs to everyone," she said.

Reiterating that the government will not allow any kind of division and chaos in the name of religion, Sheikh Hasina said people of the country will move forward on the path of progress and development while upholding religious values.

She said a section of the defeated forces in 1971 has been trying to distract devoted Muslims with false and fictitious statements.

They want to create unrest in the country, she said, adding that the defeated forces are plotting to take the country 50 years back.

Mentioning government's initiatives undertaken to combat Covid-19 fallout, she said her government's timely steps have reduced the negative impact of the pandemic in the country.

She also highlighted the government's ongoing development projects including the Padma Bridge and initiatives taken for the spread of Islamic studies and religious practices.

Calling upon the people to follow the health guidelines during the Victory Day celebration programme, the PM said not a single death is desirable.