President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday asked everyone to be vigilant so that no individual or group can use religion to mislead people to pursue their interests.
He said this while exchanging greetings with Hindu leaders and distinguished personalities at Bangabhaban in Dhaka Wednesday on the occasion of Durga Puja.
"Apart from a few minor incidents and some disruptions due to an unexpected power blackout yesterday, as far as I know, Durga Puja is being celebrated in a very festive manner this year," he said.
"We must celebrate Durga Puja, but at the same time, we must also remember that our neighbours, friends and relatives should not be deprived of the joy of this festival," he added.
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Nearly 50 distinguished persons, including Hindu religious leaders, members of the Hindu Religion Welfare Trust, representatives of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad, Dhaka Mahanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee and people from various professions, joined the Bangabhaban programme.