President Abdul Hamid on Friday urged all irrespective of religions, caste and creed to work unitedly for preventing all evil activities to keep the pace of development uninterrupted.
“Anti-liberation evil forces are repeatedly trying to obstruct the country’s democratic progress and development process. All these evil activities should be prevented unitedly to keep the pace of development uninterrupted,” he said.
He said while talking to reporters at a reception for the members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja at Bangabhaban.
He said that Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but also a social festival.
“All regardless of religion and caste celebrate the festival. This religious and social festival makes a bridge of harmony among people. So this is a universal festival,” he added.
The President said Durga Puja’s message is establishment of peace in the society through defeating all evil forces.
“Though the nation got the independence 47 years ago under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, we have not yet achieved the dream of Bangabandhu,” he added.
President Abdul Hamid said all should come forward for the welfare of humanity alongside performing religious customs.
Mentioning the existing communal harmony as the tradition of Bengalis, the President said this tradition must continue through combined efforts of all.
Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanom also exchanged greetings with the guests.
Hindu religious personalities, leaders of various puja committees Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla, among others, joined the reception.
The head of the state added: “To continue this trend of development, everyone irrespective of all religions and castes, should jointly defend all evil activities. This should be our promise in this Durga Puja.”
Noting that humanity is an eternal message of religion, President Hamid called upon all to abide by the rules of religion and simultaneously come forward for welfare of human beings.
He said “The Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but also a social festival which helps make the bridge of unity among all people. So this festival is universal.”
President Hamid and his spouse Rashida Khanom exchanged greetings with the guests during the reception at the presidential palace.
Several members of parliament (MPs), foreign diplomats, political leaders, editors, journalist leaders, senior civil and military officers, Hindu community leaders and distinguished citizens joined the reception.
