He made the call at a greetings-exchange event held at Bangabhaban on Wednesday (21 October) morning on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami.

The President said, ‘Religion is each person’s own, the state belongs to all. Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Christian—we are all citizens of this country. It is not acceptable for any citizen to face discrimination because of religion or group.’ Urging everyone to build a safe and welfare-oriented Bangladesh based on mutual respect, equality and social justice, he spoke of forming a national committee to ensure equal facilities for people of all religions.

Referring to communal harmony as the country’s greatest achievement and strength, the President said that law enforcement agencies and the administration have been instructed to remain maximally alert to ensure everyone can practise their religion in a festive environment. At the event, leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and various Hindu religious organisations greeted the President with flowers. At that time, the President’s wife Rahat Ara Begum, Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, State Minister Mohammad Shameem Kaisar, and senior officials were present.