Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday felicitated the country's Garo community on the occasion of Wangala, a religious festival of the ethnic community, to be celebrated in the country on Friday.
"Our constitution ensures equal rights to people of all religions and castes. We believe religion is for individuals while festivals for all. The Awami League-led government is determined to uphold the non-communal spirit," the premier said in a message on the eve of the day.
She said the country's Garo community has been living peacefully in the country with all other communities maintaining their distinct tradition and culture for long.
Their uniqueness, culture, values and traditions have enriched the country, Sheikh Hasina said.
She said many Garo community members contributed to achieving the country's independence by joining the 1971 Liberation War, responding to the call of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Noting that the government is working for betterment of the country's all citizens upholding the non-communal spirit, the premier said: "With the collective efforts of all, we will be able to establish Bangladesh as a prosperous, non-communal and peaceful country."
She wished the Wangala festival a success.