President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday called upon the people of the country to stand by the people of the  flood-affected area during this crisis of the country.

“People in flood affected areas are living inhumane life.These helpless people need multiple support including food, water and medicine for survival  alongside safe shelter. The government is making all-out efforts to help the flood-hit people. Apart from this, anti-discrimination students and people are also providing their support,” he said.

He said these during exchanging greetings with the Hindu community leaders at Bangabhaban  on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, at Durbar Hall.

He hoped that everyone will come forward to stand beside the helpless and distressed people of the areas devastated by flood. 

The president  called upon all to maintain religious harmony in the society as well as show tolerance to highlight the people’s harmony and cultural heritage in the international arena.

Saying that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, the president said communal harmony is a unique feature of Bangladesh’s culture.

Emphasising  on maintaining  existing harmony and friendship in the society  to accelerate national progress and prosperity, he said the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights to all citizens. 

“We are all Bangladeshis. To move the country forward, regardless of caste and religion, we must forget the differences and work together," he said.

Mentioning human welfare as the basic message of all religions, he said religious values ​​should be used for the welfare of the country and its people.

President Shahabuddin and Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain exchanged Janmashtami greetings with the Hindu community representatives.

As many as 700 individuals including diplomats, senior journalists of the Hindu community and secretaries concerned to the Bangabhaban and ministry concerned were invited on the occasion.