Collective efforts require resisting attempts to undermine religious harmony: Bakul

Jatiya Sangsad (JS) whip and BNP national executive committee student affairs secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul has called for collective efforts to resist conspiracies and attempts to create communal divisions and undermine religious harmony in the country.

"Bangladesh is a unique example of communal harmony, where people of different faiths have lived side by side for thousands of years and celebrated their religious festivals together. Sharadiya Durga Puja is no longer merely a religious festival of the Hindu community; it has become a universal celebration," he said.

Bakul made the remarks while addressing a prayer and discussion meeting as the chief guest at the Nepal Ashram Puja Mandap in Teligati, Khulna city, on Tuesday night.

He said the central message of Durga Puja was the triumph of good over evil, urging people to uphold this spirit by standing united against attempts to spread communal discord.

He said mutual goodwill, compassion and brotherhood were longstanding traditions of Bangladesh, adding that preserving this heritage was everyone's responsibility.

Religious identity should never be a source of division, Bakul said, stressing that religious values, humanity and mutual respect could strengthen bonds among people of different faiths.

He said the government was committed to ensuring religious freedom, equal rights and security for all citizens so that everyone could practise their religion and celebrate festivals without hindrance.

Warning against attempts to exploit religion to divide people, Bakul urged citizens to rise above political and religious differences to protect the rights and dignity of all.

Extending Durga Puja greetings to the Hindu community, he expressed hope that the festival would strengthen communal harmony and social bonds and contribute to the country's peace, development and prosperity.

Thakur Biswas, president of the Nepal Ashram Puja Committee, chaired the meeting.

Khulna City BNP General Secretary and Bangladesh Cricket Board Director Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, along with BNP leaders Mir Kaysed Ali and Sheikh Sadi, attended the programme as special guests.

After the meeting, Bakul visited the puja mandap and exchanged greetings with devotees and visitors.