Rupsa: Information Affair Secretary of BNP's National Executive Committee (NEC) Azizul Bari Helal has urged that the Sharadiya Durga Puja be transformed from a purely religious celebration into a festival of social harmony and togetherness. He made the remarks as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting, organized by Puja Ujjapan Parishad (PUP) and Puja Ujjapan Front (PUF), at BRDB auditorium in Kazdia of Rupsa upazila on Thursday afternoon.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Helal emphasized that Durga Puja should not be confined to rituals, but instead become a fair of unity and harmony. He encouraged everyone to greet one another in acceptable language and join the festivities. He stressed the principle of "truth prevailing over falsehood" and called for a peaceful environment during the celebrations. Helal insisted on strict measures against disorder, asserting that law enforcement must act firmly against any untoward incidents, while political activists should rely on administration rather than taking law into their own hands.
On the topic of temple development, Helal assured BNP's support for maintaining and upgrading local temples, and even proposed the establishment of a central temple in the area. Highlighting the role of religion in moral development, he stated that religious scriptures teach individuals to refrain from theft, lies, and immoral acts, and practicing religion contributes to the ethical progress of society.
The meeting was presided over by Rupsa upazila Puja Ujjapan Front president Raju Das. Other notable attendees included Hindu Religious Welfare Trust trustee Satyananda Dutta, Khulna City PUF president Dr Pradip Debnath, Khulna district labor party president Ujjal Kumar Saha, Rupsa upazila BNP senior vice-president Bikas Mitra, and Arya Dharmasabha temple general secretary Samar Kundu. PUP president Shaktipada Basu delivered the welcome speech, while the event was conducted by PUP general secretary Krishna Gopal Sen and PUF general secretary Tapan Kumar Das.