Bangladeshi nationalism reserves space for all communities: Rizvi

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Bangladeshi nationalism is a garden where flowers of different colors and breeds bloom together and every community has its space reserved.

 

He said this on Monday (October 19) morning while visiting the Durga Puja pavilion at Jagannath Hall of Dhaka University on the occasion of Durga Puja.

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said "Bangladeshi nationalism" shown by martyred President Ziaur Rahman speaks of coexistence and harmony of all communities. Festival is not bound within any specific religious or social boundary. Its universal appeal unites people of all communities and inspires them to live together with a sense of brotherhood. Destroying untruth and evil forces in society and establishing truth, justice, and peace is the main message of Durga Puja.

Emphasizing communal harmony, he said although religious belief is an individual's personal matter, everyone's rights as a citizen of the state are equal. It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that everyone can celebrate their respective religious festivals without hindrance, in a peaceful and safe environment.

Mentioning various initiatives of the BNP government, Rizvi said effective initiatives were taken to implement the demand of the Hindu community to increase Durga Puja holidays, increase allocation for puja pavilions, and pay honorarium to priests and sevayats.

Highlighting the long-standing cultural tradition and communal harmony of Bangladesh, he said people of this country have been living together bound by the bond of the same language and folk culture for hundreds of years. There can be various domestic and foreign conspiracies to destroy the non-communal tradition of the country. However, devout and non-communal people will never allow it to succeed.

Dhaka University Professor Debasish Paul, Volunteer Wing Vice President Dr Jahidur Rahman, Chhatra Dal Vice President Dr Tauhidur Rahman Awal, along with leaders of various Hindu organizations were present at the event.

-JB/EM