Government Committed to Ensuring Religious Freedom and Equal Rights for All Citizens: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said the current democratic government is committed to ensuring religious freedom and equal rights for every citizen in the country, which has a long tradition of communal harmony. On Friday, the President issued a message on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, extending his warm greetings and congratulations to all Hindu citizens of Bangladesh at home and abroad.

He said the government was supporting the management, renovation and development of religious institutions and places of worship of the Hindu community, just as it does for those of other religious communities. Alongside providing monthly honorariums to priests, the government is taking more effective and coordinated initiatives to strengthen the activities of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and improve religious welfare grants and management.

In his message, the President said Durga Puja is the main religious festival of Bengali-speaking Hindus. Every year, the arrival of Goddess Durga amid the clear autumn sky, white kash flowers and a festive atmosphere brings new hope and a sense of well-being to her devotees.

He said the central message of Durga Puja is the destruction of evil and the victory of truth, beauty and goodness. It also conveys the enduring call for justice and humanity against injustice, falsehood and inhumanity.

The Hindu community in Bangladesh has celebrated Durga Puja for generations through various events in a festive atmosphere, making it a remarkable example of communal harmony. The festival is not only a religious occasion for Hindus but is also closely connected with the social culture and heritage of Bengal. People from all walks of life come together in a spirit of goodwill, strengthening mutual compassion and brotherhood.

The President expressed hope that the festival would shine with the light of truth and beauty and further strengthen the bonds of harmony and goodwill among people regardless of religion or community. He said every religion teaches truth, justice, restraint and service to humanity, guides people away from injustice and falsehood, and shows them the path to liberation. He urged everyone to follow their respective religious teachings and dedicate themselves to the welfare of humanity.

He stressed that the state and society share the responsibility of ensuring that no one faces discrimination, deprivation or insecurity because of their religion, identity or community background. The President also called for the joy of Durga Puja to reach disadvantaged, poor and vulnerable people. He wished the Hindu community happiness, peace and prosperity on the occasion and expressed hope that the messages of humanity, justice and welfare would spread to every home, transcending all divisions. He also wished success for all programmes organised at home and abroad to mark Sharadiya Durga Puja.