State must ensure equal rights, security for all: President

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called for ensuring equal rights, religious freedom and security for all citizens, regardless of religion or communal identity, ahead of the Sharadiya Durga Puja.Every religion teaches truth, justice, restraint and human welfare. It guides people away from injustice and falsehood and shows them the path to liberation, he said in a message issued on Friday on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja.The president extended his greetings and congratulations to Hindu communities in Bangladesh and abroad. He urged people to follow their respective religious teachings and dedicate themselves to human welfare, stressing that the state and society share the responsibility of ensuring that no one faces discrimination, deprivation or insecurity because of their religion, ethnicity or communal identity.He also called for sharing the joy of Durga Puja with disadvantaged, underprivileged and vulnerable people. Mirza Fakhrul said the democratic government was committed to ensuring religious freedom and equal rights for every citizen in the country, known for its tradition of communal harmony.He said the government was supporting the management, renovation and development of Hindu religious institutions and places of worship, similar to other religious institutions. Initiatives were also being taken to provide monthly honorariums to Hindu priests, strengthen the activities of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust and improve the coordination and effectiveness of religious welfare grants and programmes.Describing Durga Puja as the principal religious festival of Bengali Hindus, the president said the arrival of Goddess Durga amid the clear autumn sky, white kash flowers and festive surroundings inspires devotees with renewed hope and a commitment to welfare.The central message of the festival is the destruction of evil and the triumph of truth, beauty and goodness, he said, adding that it represents the enduring call of justice and humanity against injustice, falsehood and inhumanity.The Hindu community in Bangladesh has celebrated Durga Puja with various festivities for generations, offering a unique example of communal harmony, he said. Durga Puja is not merely a religious festival for followers of Sanatan Dharma it is also closely connected with the enduring social culture and heritage of Bengal, the president said.He added that the festival brings people from all walks of life together in bonds of goodwill, fostering mutual compassion and brotherhood. Mirza Fakhrul called on all concerned to work towards ensuring that Hindus and members of other religious communities can observe their respective religious rituals freely, safely and without fear.He expressed hope that Sharadiya Durga Puja would bring happiness, peace and prosperity to the lives of members of the Hindu community and that the messages of humanity, justice and welfare would reach every household, transcending all divisions.The president also wished success for all programmes organised at home and abroad to mark the festival.