Everyone should share the joy of Durga Puja festival. Acting Chairman of BNP Tariq Rahman commented that the scope of the festival is not narrow; rather it is open and universal.
Acting Chairman of BNP Tarek Rahman made this call in a statement on the occasion of Autumn Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami on Saturday (October 12) night.
Tariq Rahman said in a speech, "I extend my best wishes and congratulations to all Hindus on the occasion of Durga Puja and Vijaya Dashami, the biggest religious festivals of the Hindu community. I wish them happiness, peace and prosperity.
Autumn Durga Puja is the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh and other countries of the world since time immemorial. Catkin species and winter all around Bangladesh in the autumn convey the message of this festival. The festival has been celebrated with pomp for centuries. Even in Bangladesh, Durga Puja is always celebrated in a festive atmosphere. And the festival is the manifestation of light from the jewels in the darkness.
The festival premises are open to all people irrespective of their religion. The doors to the festival grounds are never closed. Any religious festival creates a close bond between people, a sense of sympathy and brotherhood is awakened. The motto of all religions is patriotism, peace and human welfare. It is the duty of all of us to vow to establish peace and equality in the society against a barbaric war of violence. The underlying message of Durga Puja is to destroy the demons of violence, greed and anger to establish heavenly peace in the society, where human equality and justice will be ensured. The underlying urge of this worship is to fight against those who want to destroy the society, human civilization, and establish bad governance through oppression and revenge. Everyone should share the joy of the festival of Durga Puja by imbibing that message. The scope of the festival is not narrow; rather it is open and universal.
I strongly believe that every citizen of Bangladesh, irrespective of Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist and Christian, should have equal rights and equal opportunities for protection. Our country as a united nation includes all communities of people. Together we form a collective community that sets a unique example of ensuring the safety of all, regardless of caste or creed.
I extend my warm greetings to all concerned on this joyous festival of Durga Puja. May this festival fill every home with prosperity, harmony and peace and spread mutual goodwill and solidarity among all communities.
In this country, regardless of caste, we are all Bangladeshis - let this be our identity. I wish this year's Sharad Durgotsava all success."