Gayeshwar Chandra Rai, BNP Standing Committee member, criticized the misuse of religion as a political tool. Speaking at a tree-planting event in South Keraniganj commemorating July martyrs, he said religion is a source of spiritual faith and moral guidance and should never be exploited for political gain.

He pointedly referenced Jamaat-e-Islami, accusing them of failing to admit their 1971 war crimes despite receiving forgiveness. Rai reminded all political parties of their responsibility to protect the safety and dignity of all religious communities and called for unity inspired by the spirit of the July revolution.