Dhaka: BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja, calling for peaceful celebration. He also urged the law enforcement to remain vigilant against any attempt to disturb communal harmony.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in a video message, Tarique Rahman expressed his heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community of the country. He highlighted the enthusiasm with which people of various faiths observe their respective religions and festivals, emphasizing the beauty of Bangladesh’s long-standing religious and social values and culture. This, he noted, allows for the flourishing of mutual friendship, harmony, goodwill, and brotherhood among different religions and communities.
He called upon law enforcement agencies to maintain alertness, warning against any efforts that might create communal tension. “I urge the country’s law enforcement agencies to be alert and vigilant so that no one can attempt to create any communal situation or compromise security surrounding the Sharadiya festival, similar to what occurred during the fallen fascist regime,” he stated.
Addressing the Hindu community directly, Tarique Rahman encouraged them to celebrate the festival “with enthusiasm, joy and in peace and security,” and to “spread goodwill and harmony.” He also reiterated BNP’s stance that “religion belongs to the individual, but the state belongs to everyone,” stressing the right of every person, regardless of religion, to security.
Emphasizing the state’s responsibility, he reminded that the constitution guarantees security for all citizens – believers and non-believers alike – and ensuring that security is a duty of the state. Quoting a Hadith, he added that the Prophet (PBUH) warned followers against oppressing non-Muslims who are granted state protection, cautioning that such oppression will be judged harshly in the hereafter.