President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called on people from all communities to work together to protect constitutional rights and stand up against any violation of citizens’ rights, regardless of their religious identity.

“The rights guaranteed by the Constitution to people of every religion must be protected. If anyone’s rights are violated, we must stand up against it,” he said.

The President made the remarks at a view-exchange meeting after visiting Ramakrishna Mission in the capital on the occasion of Durga Puja.

He said the bonds of friendship, brotherhood and communal harmony among people of different faiths in Bangladesh have developed over thousands of years through mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. ““We will preserve at all costs the bonds of unity, brotherhood and goodwill built over thousands of years,” he said.

“We want to see a Bangladesh where we can live in peace and happiness, where there is no division on the basis of religion and everyone can practise their faith without fear or anxiety,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

He regretted that some people had, at different times, attempted to undermine the country’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony for political interests, personal gain or other vested interests.

Such attempts to create division are unacceptable and run counter to the country's heritage, mutual goodwill and social harmony, the President said.

Seeking everyone's cooperation in restoring democracy, he said the long and difficult struggle for democracy aimed to establish a system that will ensure the rights of every citizen and reflect people's hopes and aspirations.

“We are working relentlessly to restore that democratic system. Sincere cooperation and collective efforts from everyone are crucial to achieving this goal,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

He said the future of Bangladesh is in the hands of its young people, who must build a society free from narrow-mindedness, superstition, religious fanaticism and extremism.

Calling on people of all communities to preserve communal harmony, the President said, “This country belongs to all of us. We will never allow any force to rise that seeks to destroy our truth, our soul, our consciousness or our culture.”

The state becomes weak when divisions emerge among its citizens, he said, urging everyone to remain united under all circumstances.

Recalling his own experiences during his student days, Mirza Fakhrul said he had visited Durga Puja mandaps, participated in plays and recited poetry.

He expressed satisfaction that Durga Puja is being celebrated peacefully across the country this year.

Extending his greetings to all on the occasion of Durga Puja, the President said the government is working to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations, while law enforcement agencies are carrying out their responsibilities.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Ramakrishna Mission Principal Swami Purnatmananda, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Santosh Sharma, and Subal Chandra Saha, vice-president of the Ramakrishna Mission governing body and chair of the event, also spoke at the programme.