State Minister Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury urged the citizens to stay vigilant during Durga Puja, one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community in Bangladesh.
He made this statement at a cloth distribution ceremony for the underprivileged held on the occasion of Durga Puja at Dhakeshwari temple in the capital on Friday morning.
“Conspiracies can surround Durga Puja celebrations. Everyone should remain cautious,” said the state minister.
He also highlighted the extensive security measures in place, ensuring safety at more than 32,000 puja mandaps nationwide. He emphasized Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to building a non-communal Bangladesh amid the vibrant festivities.
The event was attended by notable figures, including General Secretary of Dhaka Mahanagar Puja Udjapan Parishad Ramen Mondal and former General Secretary Advocate Kishore Ranjan Mondal. The program, led by Puja Udjapan Parishad’s President Monindra Kumar Nath, also saw the presence of journalists Swapan Kumar Saha and Manik Lal Saha, among others.
Reflecting on the significance of Durga Puja, the state minister commented: “Durga Puja has become a universal festival. With Bangladesh’s strengthening economy, festivals are becoming more vibrant. In the future, as Bangladesh evolves into a developed and smart country, our economy will grow stronger, and our festivals will become even more colourful. The festive atmosphere is adorned not just with external splendour but also by the spirit of the liberation war and the non-communal ethos of the Awami League government.”
Addressing the historical context, he added: “After 1975, communal forces seized power, sparking religious conflicts and casting our nation into darkness for 21 years. In 1996, a brief period of enlightenment emerged. Unfortunately, after the 2001 elections, our festivals were marred. Militancy emerged; figures like Bangla Bhai and Abdur Rahman emerged. Tragic murders ensued. However, today, there is no space for such communalism in Bangladesh.”
Highlighting the nation’s progress in communal harmony, Khalid emphasized the ongoing struggle to return to the spirit of the 1972 Constitution. He acknowledged existing conspiracies hindering this return. “We have suppressed militancy, but we must eradicate it completely. Reverting to the spirit of 1972 will enable us to eliminate militancy,” he added.
The state minister concluded the event by distributing clothes among the needy, visiting the national temple Dhakeshwari, and exchanging greetings.