Dhaka: President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today stated that the rights and dignity of people from all communities, irrespective of religion or caste, will be ensured if democracy is firmly established in the country. He made these remarks during a courtesy call from a 15-member delegation of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad at Bangabhaban, as reported by the president's press secretary to BSS during a briefing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the delegation, led by Parishad's President Basudev Dhar and General Secretary Santosh Sharma, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the President for assuming office. The President emphasized that the regular practice of democracy and the strengthening of democratic institutions are essential to advancing the country along the path of development and progress. He warned that weakened democratic values make it difficult to protect the country's independence, sovereignty, and the rights of its people.
During the meeting, Santosh Sharma expressed gratitude to the government for its support in ensuring the peaceful and orderly observance of various Hindu religious festivals, including Janmashtami and Rath Yatra. He conveyed the satisfaction of the Sanatan religious community regarding government initiatives to protect their rights and dignity.
The Parishad leaders stressed the importance of ensuring security, access to justice, and equal rights for citizens of all religions and communities, including the Hindu community. They also invited the President to attend the puja mandap at Dhakeshwari National Temple during the upcoming Durga Puja to exchange greetings with devotees and followers of the Sanatan religion.
The President accepted the invitation and thanked the delegation, reiterating the government's commitment to providing fair opportunities for all citizens based on merit, just rights, and equality, rather than communal identity. He urged people of all religions and communities to unite in building a non-communal, democratic, justice-based, and humane Bangladesh.
Additionally, the President expressed hope that the upcoming Durga Puja would be celebrated in a festive, peaceful, and cordial atmosphere, further strengthening the bond of communal harmony in the country. Senior officials from the President's Office were present during the meeting.