BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman has urged people to foster harmony and goodwill among the country’s diverse communities as the Hindu festival of Durga Puja begins.

In a video message posted on Facebook on Sunday to mark the occasion, he extended greetings to Bangladesh’s Hindu community, describing the Sharadiya Durga Puja as one of their most significant religious festivals.

Tarique Rahman said the celebrations reflected Bangladesh’s long-standing religious and cultural values, where people of different faiths, groups, and communities come together in a spirit of friendship, harmony, and fraternity.

Citing both the constitution and Islamic teachings, Rahman stressed that ensuring the safety of all citizens regardless of religion, political belief, or ethnicity was the state’s responsibility. 

He referenced a Hadith in which the Prophet Muhammad warned against oppression of protected non-Muslims, pledging to stand against such acts on the Day of Judgment.

“As citizens of a Bangladesh free from fascism, it is our duty and moral obligation to protect the safety and dignity of others,” Tarique Rahman said, calling on law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant against any attempt to provoke communal unrest during the festival.

Addressing the Hindu community, he added: “Celebrate the festival with joy, in peace and security, and spread the message of harmony and goodwill everywhere. The BNP believes religion belongs to each individual, but the state belongs to all; religion is personal, but the right to security belongs to everyone.”

Tarique Rahman concluded by once again extending his greetings to the Hindu community on behalf of the BNP, describing it as the democratic party of all Bangladeshis, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

SMS/