Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday greeted the members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh and around the world on the occasion of Janmashtami to be celebrated on Friday.
In a message, he urged people of all faiths to play a conscious and responsible role in maintaining social order, brotherhood and communal harmony and remain vigilant against any attempt to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere.
“I urge everyone to be vigilant so that no one can destroy this atmosphere of harmony,” he said.
The prime minister described Janmashtami as a significant religious occasion for Hindus and extended greetings to Hindu brothers and sisters and followers of Sanatan Dharma.
Referring to Hindu scriptures, he said Lord Krishna was born in Mathura on the eighth day of the waning fortnight of the lunar month during the reign of the tyrant King Kansa.
Krishna later ended Kansa’s oppressive rule, upheld righteousness and fought evil, he said.
The prime minister said Krishna’s life and teachings embody humanism, justice, equality and peace, while his ideals of devotion, human welfare and harmony continue to inspire people.
He said people of different religions and beliefs in Bangladesh have been practicing their faiths with mutual respect and harmony from ancient age.
He expressed hope that the ideals of Shri Krishna would further strengthen mutual harmony and brotherhood in the society.
The prime minister wished happiness, peace and prosperity for all on the occasion of Janmashtami.