BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Tuesday said Eid-ul-Azha promotes equality, generosity and mutual harmony, urging people to extend support to the poor and helpless during the festival.

In a message marking Eid-ul-Azha, he also extended greetings to Muslims in Bangladesh and elsewhere across the world. “I wish all continuous happiness, peace and prosperity.”

Fakhrul, also the local government, rural development and co-operatives minister, said Eid-ul-Azha, one of the two biggest religious festivals of Muslims, is known as the festival of sacrifice and it teaches devotion and obedience to Almighty Allah.

He said the significance of Eid-ul-Azha lies in attaining closeness to Allah through sacrifice.

The ministers said Muslims across the world unite in the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, while the sacrifice of animals symbolises the spirit of removing evil from the mind and leading a simple and modest life to attain the pleasure of Almighty Allah.

“The noble lesson of sacrifice should inspire us to surrender ourselves to Almighty Allah and dedicate ourselves to the welfare of humanity,” he said.

Fakhrul said the main lesson of Eid-ul-Azha is to show deep love and unconditional obedience to Almighty Allah.

He said Eid-ul-Azha inspires Muslims to become devoted servants of Allah, while every festival helps expand human values and generosity beyond religion and race.

The BNP leader also said festivals unite people in a strong bond of harmony and bring society from the darkness of division towards the light of humanity.

“So, the festival of Eid-ul-Azha, illuminated by the glory of sacrifice, promotes equality, generosity and mutual harmony. Let us pledge to rise above selfish interests and extend our support to the poor and helpless on this occasion of joy, sacrifice and celebration,” he said.

Fakhrul also prayed for peace, happiness and prosperity for all. “May Eid-ul-Azha make everyone’s life joyful.”