President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Monday called upon the people of the country to stand by the people of the flood-affected area during Bangladesh's crisis.
“People in flood-affected areas are living inhumane life. These helpless people need multiple support including food, water and medicine for survival alongside safe shelter. The government is making all efforts to help the flood-hit people. Apart from this, anti-discrimination students and people are also providing their support,” he said.
He said these during exchanging greetings with the Hindu community leaders at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu, at Durbar Hall.
He hoped that everyone would come forward to stand beside the helpless and distressed people of the areas devastated by the flood.
The president called upon all to maintain religious harmony in society and show tolerance to highlight the people’s harmony and cultural heritage in the international arena.
The president said that Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony and that communal harmony is a unique feature of Bangladesh’s culture.
He stressed the need to maintain harmony and friendship in society to accelerate national progress and prosperity. He said the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees equal rights to all citizens.
“We are all Bangladeshis. To move the country forward, regardless of caste and religion, we must forget the differences and work together," he said.
He argued that human welfare is the basic message of all religions and that religious values should benefit the country and its people.
President Shahabuddin and Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain exchanged Janmashtami greetings with the Hindu community representatives.
As many as 700 individuals, including diplomats, senior journalists of the Hindu community, and secretaries to the Bangabhaban and ministry concerned, were invited on the occasion.
