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President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said that the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja by members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh is a shining example of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.
He made the remarks in a post on his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon (October 19).
“At a time when conflicts, violence and hatred prevail across the world, members of the Sanatan faith in Bangladesh are able to celebrate their religious festival, Durga Puja, in a peaceful environment. This is a shining example of our communal harmony and mutual coexistence,” the President said.
Earlier, on Sunday (October 18), the President visited Ramna Kali Temple in Dhaka on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja 2026.
After visiting the temple, he said, “We can confidently and firmly say that I do not know of anywhere else in the world where communal harmony exists to the extent that it does in Bangladesh.”
Extending his greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja, the President said the festival was one of the major religious celebrations of the Sanatan faith and conveyed the values of justice, peace, harmony and human welfare.
“Time and again, forces of evil have emerged in this country, and the people of Bangladesh have defeated them,” he said.
Recounting the history of Ramna Kali Temple, the President spoke about attempts to destroy it during the Liberation War and its subsequent history. He referred to the role of BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in the temple's restoration.
He also paid tribute to Begum Khaleda Zia.
Calling on all citizens to remain united in protecting communal harmony, the President said that Bangladesh's record of communal harmony was often misrepresented and subjected to misinformation.
He assured the Hindu community that the government would work sincerely to address the problems they currently face.
The President wished the Durga Puja celebrations every success and thanked those who performed at the cultural programme.
Among those present were Bijon Kanti Sarkar, the Prime Minister's Special Assistant with the rank of state minister for Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and ethnic minority affairs; Ramna Temple President Arpana Roy Das; and General Secretary Milton Baidya.
During the programme, temple member Subhash Chandra Das welcomed the President by presenting him with an uttariya, a traditional ceremonial scarf.
FP/MIB
