BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Wednesday greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami, urging them to celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm by spreading the message of communal harmony.
In a statement on Wednesday, he also wished members of the Hindu community across the country peace, happiness and well-being.
“On behalf of BNP, the party of democracy-loving people of Bangladesh, I convey my sincere greetings and congratulations to everyone in the Hindu community on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami,” Tarique said.
The BNP leader hoped that Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for the Hindu community, will conclude successfully.
“Celebrate the festival across the country with joy and enthusiasm, in a safe and peaceful way, and spread the message of harmony and fraternity,” he said, addressing the Hindu community members.
Tarique said BNP believes in the principle of ‘religion for individuals, but the state for all’ and that everyone, regardless of their faith, has the right to security.
In Bangladeshi, he said, festivals bring out friendship, harmony, goodwill and fraternity among people of different religions, communities and groups.
The BNP leader said the state and the constitution guarantee the safety of every person, regardless of political views, religion, caste or belief. “It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the security of all citizens of Bangladesh.”
Quoting a Hadith, Tarique said the Prophet (pbuh) warned that anyone who persecutes non-Muslims under the protection of the state, violates 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 oppressors,” he said.
As citizens of a fascism-free Bangladesh, he said, everyone should play their part and fulfill their moral duty in protecting the safety and dignity of others.
The BNP leader also said it is justified to struggle against those who try to destroy society and human civilisation through persecution and revenge, or who seek to establish misrule.
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He urged law enforcement agencies to remain alert so that, as in past authoritarian regimes, no attempt is made to disrupt communal harmony or create insecurity during Durga Puja celebrations.
In a separate statement, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Bijoya Dashami.
The Durga Puja festival will conclude till Thursday and it will conclude with the immersion of the idols of goddess Durga in rivers and other water bodies.