Netrokona: The day-long traditional Deuli Festival of the Hajong community was held with great enthusiasm in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona district, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic group. The event took place on the grounds of Shyamnagar Government Primary School, organized by Khudra Nri-Ghosthir Sangakritik Institute, Birisiri, Netrokona.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, speaking as the chief guest at the festival, Barrister Kayser Kamal, Legal Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and BNP nominated candidate for Durgapur-Kalmakanda constituency in the upcoming national elections, described the region as a ‘beautiful garden’ of diverse communities. He likened the different ethnic groups, including Hindus, Muslims, Garos, and Hajongs, to flowers in a garden and expressed his desire to work for the development of this community. Kamal, who is also Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum, pledged to act as a true gardener for the betterment of the region.
He also recalled the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in establishing a Cultural Academy to strengthen cultural bonds among all citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Kamal emphasized the importance of improving agriculture, education, and establishing factories to uplift the living standards of the Hajong community and the people of Durgapur and Kalmakanda.
Speaking as the special guest at the event, Managing Director and Chief Editor of the BSS Mahbub Morshed highlighted that since the August 5 Mass Uprising, the current government has been celebrating festivals like Deuli across the country, cutting across religious and communal lines. Morshed pointed out that there is no politicization in these festivals, allowing everyone to celebrate their own traditions freely. He noted this as a significant achievement since August 5, enabling the celebration of events, religious and cultural festivals without political interference. Morshed urged future governments to uphold this trend, allowing the colors of the multicultural nation to flourish.