Adviser to the Ministry of Shipping and Labour and Employment Brigadier General (retd) Dr M Sakhawat Hossain said that Durga Puja is not only a festival of the Hindu community but a celebration for all people in Bangladesh.

Durga Puja has been celebrated with festivity for centuries in Bangladesh as well as in many other parts of the world. It is a festival of harmony, peace and togetherness – not just of Hindus but of everyone in Bangladesh, he said.

The adviser made the remarks while addressing a programme organised by the Gulshan-Banani Sarbajanin Puja Foundation on the occasion of Mahalaya 1432 in the capital on Sunday.

All religions preach welfare of humanity, peace and patriotism. People, irrespective of religion or caste, must work for the wellbeing of the country. Durga Puja teaches us harmony, Sakhawat added.

He said the festival strengthens human bonds and described Durga Puja as a universal celebration of Bangladesh.

On the occasion, the adviser extended warm greetings to all members of the Sanatan (Hindu) community.

He assured that the government has taken all necessary preparations to ensure the country’s largest religious festival of the Hindu community is celebrated peacefully and in a joyous atmosphere.

At the same time, he urged all to remain vigilant so that no vested quarters can attempt to create any untoward situation centering the celebrations.

The event was attended by the president, general secretary and other members of the Gulshan-Banani Sarbajanin Puja Foundation.