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Dhaka: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the younger generation to stand up for truth, justice and humanity, warning against attempts to divide society through rumours, disinformation and religious extremism.
“Attempts are being made sometimes to create divisions through rumours, disinformation and religious extremism. We must remain firm and uncompromising against such attempts. The young generation, in particular, must stand up for truth, justice and humanity,” he said.
The President made the remarks at a state reception and exchange of greetings at the Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning to mark Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami 2026.
Extending greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion, he said Bangladesh belonged to everyone and that all citizens must work together to build the country.
“No evil force should be allowed to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions,” he said, calling for a safe, democratic and humane Bangladesh founded on mutual respect, equality and social justice.
The President said people of different religions in Bangladesh were celebrating their respective festivals peacefully at a time when wars, violence and communal conflicts were taking place in various parts of the world.
“When wars, violence and communal conflicts are taking place in different parts of the world, people of all religions in Bangladesh are celebrating their respective festivals peacefully. This is our greatest achievement,” he said.
“This harmony is our strength, our very existence. We must preserve it at all costs,” he added.
Describing Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, Mirza Fakhrul said its people had a strong non-communal spirit and had lived together for thousands of years in an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherhood.
He said the participation of people from all religious communities in the Great Liberation War and in democratic struggles and movements against injustice had laid the foundation for national unity.
Welcoming members of the Hindu community to Bangabhaban, the President said the central message of Durga Puja was the destruction of evil and the triumph of truth, beauty and welfare.
“Discrimination or oppression because of religion, race or community identity is totally unacceptable,” he said.
Emphasising equal rights and dignity for all citizens, he called for the formation of a national committee to ensure equal civic facilities for people of all religions.
“Religion is for individuals but the state belongs to all. The right to have security and justice also belongs to all,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights, the President said the Constitution guaranteed every citizen equal rights, dignity and religious freedom.
“The government is committed to implementing this goal,” he said.
He added that law enforcement agencies and the administration had been directed to remain vigilant to ensure that people of all religious communities could practise their faith in a safe and joyful environment.
Earlier, representatives of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee welcomed the President with flowers on behalf of their respective organisations upon his arrival at the Credentials Hall.
The President and First Lady Rahat Tara Begum later exchanged greetings with visitors and guests attending the reception at Bangabhaban.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and senior officials of the President’s Office were also present.