BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Saturday said Durga Puja is not merely a festival of the Hindu community but a celebration for everyone, as it transcended communal boundaries and strengthened the bonds of brotherhood among people.

“In this land of Kartik and Nabanna, Durga Puja does not remain the festival of any single community. It turns into a universal celebration,” he said.

Rizvi made the remarks after visiting Mirpur Central Temple in the capital in the morning on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja.

He said, “Durga Puja is not a communal celebration. In fact, no festival creates divisions or boundaries along communal lines. Rather, every festival transcends all such divisions and enriches and inspires a sense of brotherhood among people,”.

“This is the message of a festival, this is its central spirit,” he added.

“Just as fire destroys all impurities, it also purifies our souls. That is why poet Rabindranath Tagore said, ‘Aguner Parashmoni Chhoao Prane’ (Touch my soul with the philosopher’s stone of fire),” he said.

“Durga Puja is not just a festival for Hindus; it is our festival too,” Rizvi added.

He said the government, under the Prime Minister’s instructions, had arranged security for the Hindu community in line with its needs after holding discussions with its members.

“The government has increased various facilities for Hindus, including financial allocations and rice allocations. The government is keeping track of all temples at all times,” he said.

Rizvi wished the festival every success and hoped it would be filled with joy, allowing everyone to embrace a new horizon of happiness.