BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Sunday urged the law enforcement agencies to remain alert so that, unlike during the past fascist regime, no attempt is made to create communal tensions or disrupt security during the celebration of Durga Puja.
In a video message marking Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, he also said every citizen should play an appropriate role in protecting the safety and dignity of fellow citizens.
“From Sunday, one of the main religious festivals of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, will begin. On this occasion, I extend my greetings to the Hindu community of the country,” the BNP leader said.
He said people of all faiths in Bangladesh have been practising their religions and celebrating their respective festivals with great enthusiasm and harmony for generations. “This represents the eternal religious and social values and cultural beauty of Bangladesh.”
The BNP leader said the bond of friendship, fraternity and harmony among people of different faiths and communities reflects Bangladesh’s long tradition of coexistence.
He said the country’s constitution guarantees the security of all citizens, irrespective of faith or ideology. “So, ensuring the security of every citizen of Bangladesh is the responsibility of the state.”
Quoting a Hadith, Tarique said the Prophet (pbuh) warned his Ummah that anyone who persecutes non-Muslims under the protection of the state, infringes on their rights, forces them to work beyond their capacity, or seizes their property without consent, will face his opposition. “Our beloved Prophet (pbuh) cautioned that on the Day of Judgment, he himself would confront such an oppressor.”
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In a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said every citizen must play an appropriate role in protecting the safety and dignity of others and fulfil their moral responsibilities, and that this should be the normal practice.
“But I call upon the law enforcement agencies of the country to remain alert so that, unlike under fascist regimes, no one can attempt to create any communal tension or disrupt security during the Sharadiya festival,” he said.
Tarique urged the Hindu community of the country to celebrate the festival joyfully, safely and without fear across the country, spreading the message of harmony and goodwill.
“Myself and my party, the BNP, believe that everyone has their own religion, but the state belongs to all. Everyone has the right to security, regardless of their faith. Finally, on behalf of myself and our party — the BNP, which represents all democracy-loving people of Bangladesh, regardless of religion or caste — I once again extend my greetings to the Hindu community of the country on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja,” he said.
Durga Puja began with the ritual of Mahalaya today (Sunday) across Bangladesh and will continue with rituals like Mahashasthi, Mahasaptami and Mahaashtami, leading up to Bijaya Dashami on October 2.