Durga Puja being celebrated with record funding, security: Home Minister

This year’s Durga Puja is being celebrated with the highest number of puja mandaps, record government funding, the longest holidays and the highest level of security in the country’s history, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said.

He made the remarks while addressing a Maha Shashthi celebration at the Banani Puja Ground near Kamal Ataturk Avenue in the capital on Friday.

The Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation organised the event.

The home minister said the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every citizen the right to practise religion freely, establish places of worship and observe religious rituals without discrimination.

He also stressed the need to use the term “religious harmony” instead of “communal harmony”, saying citizens should not be categorised into communities.

“We did not come here as communities. The country’s laws and Constitution do not identify anyone as a community. We are all equal citizens of Bangladesh with equal rights,” he said.

Referring to past attempts to use members of the Hindu community for political gains and as a vote bank, Salahuddin said the current government prioritises everyone’s rights as citizens.

Praising the artistic decorations at the Banani puja mandap, themed “Jalaj”, the minister said the arrangement, inspired by local culture, materials and traditions, was exceptional and commendable.

Inspector General of Police Md Ali Hossain Fakir and Nepalese Ambassador Ghanshyam Bhandari addressed the event as special guests. Diplomats and members of the diplomatic corps from various countries were also present.

Bangladesh Football Federation Chairman and BNP Executive Committee member Tabith Awal, Gulshan Society President Barrister Omar Sadat and Banani Society President Shawkat Ali Bhuiyan Dilun also spoke.

Alok Saha, president of the Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation, presided over the programme, which was conducted by foundation member Swapna Bhowmik. Its general secretary, Binay Gopal Roy, delivered the welcome address.

The programme began with devotional songs welcoming Goddess Durga, dance performances and the lighting of an auspicious lamp. The special autumnal magazine Bodhan was also unveiled on the occasion.