BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that people across the country are standing united to guard Durga Puja mandaps in order to resist the conspiracies of ‘evil circles’.

In a message issued on Wednesday (1 Oct), marking Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami, Fakhrul said the festival holds “an illuminated and special place” in the lives of Bangla-speaking Hindus. 

For centuries, this religious festival has been celebrated with grandeur both in Bangladesh and among Bangla-speaking communities. Goddess Durga is the embodiment of strength and courage. Festivals across the world bring with them heavenly joy and messages of goodwill,” he said.

Highlighting the inclusive nature of the celebration, Fakhrul said, “There are no restrictions in the festival arena; it is a place of harmony for everyone. The history and tradition emanating from the very soil of Bangladesh embody religious freedom and values. The central message of Durga Puja is the triumph of good over evil. Durga recognises and confronts evil in order to achieve her glorious mission.”

The BNP leader accused the Awami League government of repeatedly inciting communal tensions and orchestrating attacks on temples and places of worship for political gain. 

Even after its fall, its remnants remain active. Yet people of the country, united, are guarding the pujamandaps so that the Sharadiya festival can be completed peacefully in an atmosphere of coexistence. The BNP is committed to resisting such conspiracies,” he asserted.

Fakhrul further pointed out that Durga Puja has, from the medieval era to the present, been observed as both a social and cultural occasion while preserving its religious essence. 

Religious festivals do not remain confined within communal boundaries. They transcend those circles to be celebrated by all, inspiring the human spirit with a sense of unity,” he said.

Calling on citizens to remain vigilant, Fakhrul urged, “The evil attempts of destructive forces must not be allowed to disrupt the festivities of Durga Puja in any way.”