Mentioning the government is working for social peace and harmony, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said that if social harmony is not destroyed and peace is maintained in the society, it brings the welfare of the people.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion meeting on the occasion of Ulto Rath Yatra at the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)) Sylhet Temple in Yugaltila, Sylhet on Friday as the chief guest.

The minister said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working relentlessly to build the golden Bengal of harmony that Father of the Nation  Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman dreamt about.

Shrimat Bhakti Odito Navadwip Maharaj presided over the function.

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Speaking as the special guest, Awami League Central Organizing Secretary Shafiul Alam Chowdhury Nadel said a vested quarter has been conspiring since independence and their activities are still going on. "So we have to be careful about them."

At the end of the meeting, the Foreign Minister inaugurated the Rath Yatra festival by lighting up mangal pradeep (lamp of welfare).

Later, a procession with idols of Jagannath, Subhadra and Balaram set out in three huge chariots in colorful attire.

The procession passed through Rikabibazar, Chauhatta, Zindabazar, Nayorpool, Bandarbazar, Taltala, Rikabibazar of the city and ended at the ISKCON temple.

Earlier, Momen visited the development work of the traditional Dhopadighi of the city with the funding of the Government of India.