Play store
President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has described Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, saying that people of all faiths celebrating their festivals peacefully is one of the country’s greatest achievements.
“At a time when wars, violence and communal conflicts are raging in different parts of the world, people of all religions here are celebrating their respective festivals peacefully. This is our greatest achievement. This harmony is our strength, our very existence. It must be preserved at all costs,” he said.
The president made the remarks at a state reception held at Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami 2026.
“This country belongs to all of us. We must build the nation together. No evil force should be allowed to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions,” he said.
Mirza Fakhrul called on everyone to work towards building a safe, democratic, humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh based on mutual respect, equality and social justice.
Extending greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Bijoya Dashami, he said, “I am delighted to welcome you to Bangabhaban at this joyous gathering.”
He reiterated that Bangladesh was a country of communal harmony, adding that its people had remained secular and that people of all faiths had lived together on this land for thousands of years, bound by mutual respect and brotherhood.
The president said the participation of people from all religions in the Liberation War, democratic struggles and movements against injustice had formed the foundation of national unity.
Mirza Fakhrul said the underlying message of the festival was the destruction of evil and the triumph of truth, beauty and welfare. He said discrimination or persecution against any citizen on the grounds of religion, race or community identity was unacceptable.
He also called for the formation of a national committee to ensure equal civic facilities for people of all faiths.
“Religion is personal, but the state belongs to everyone. Everyone has the right to security and justice. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—we are all citizens of this country. The Constitution guarantees everyone equal rights, dignity and religious freedom. The government is committed to realising these objectives,” he said.
Urging the younger generation to speak out in support of truth, justice and humanity, the president warned that attempts were sometimes made to create divisions through rumours, misinformation and religious extremism.
“We must remain firm and uncompromising against such attempts. The younger generation, in particular, must raise its voice in favour of truth, justice and humanity,” he said.
The president said law enforcement agencies and the administration had been instructed to remain on the highest alert to ensure that people of all faiths could practise their religions in a safe and joyful environment.
Earlier, when the president arrived at the Darbar Hall, leaders of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee welcomed him with flowers.
The president exchanged greetings with visitors and guests at Bangabhaban. His wife, Rahat Ara Begum, was also present.
Among others attending the event were Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaisar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant (with the rank of state minister) Bijon Kanti Sarkar, and senior officials of the President’s Office.