President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the younger generation to speak out in support of truth, justice and humanity, warning against attempts to create division through rumours, misinformation and religious extremism.
“Sometimes, attempts are made to create divisions through rumours, misinformation and religious extremism. We must remain firm and uncompromising against such efforts. The younger generation, in particular, must speak out for truth, justice and humanity,” he said.
The president made the remarks at a state reception and exchange of greetings at Bangabhaban on Wednesday morning, October 21, marking Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami 2026.
“ This country belongs to all of us. We must build it together. We must not allow any evil force to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions,” he said.
He called on everyone to work towards building a safe, democratic, humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh founded on mutual respect, equality and social justice.
Extending his greetings to members of the Hindu community on Bijoya Dashami, the president said he was pleased to welcome the guests to Bangabhaban for the festive occasion.
He noted that while wars, violence and communal conflicts continue in different parts of the world, people of all religions in Bangladesh celebrate their respective festivals peacefully. He described this harmony as one of the country’s greatest achievements and a source of strength and identity that must be preserved at all costs.
Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony, he said, adding that people of different faiths have lived together on this land for thousands of years with mutual respect and brotherhood.
The president also said the participation of people from all religious communities in the Liberation War, democratic movements and struggles against injustice formed the foundation of national unity.
He said the underlying message of Durga Puja was the defeat of evil and the victory of truth, beauty and well-being. Discrimination or oppression against any citizen on the basis of religion, race or community identity was unacceptable, he added.
The president called for the formation of a national committee to help ensure equal access to civic facilities for people of all religions.
“Religion is an individual’s own, but the state belongs to everyone. Everyone has the right to security and justice. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—we are all citizens of this country. The Constitution guarantees equal rights, dignity and religious freedom to everyone,” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, adding that the government was committed to implementing these principles.
He said law enforcement agencies and the administration had been instructed to remain highly vigilant to ensure that people of all faiths could practise their religions in a safe and festive environment.
Earlier, at the Durbar Hall, leaders representing the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee presented flowers to the president and extended their greetings.
The president exchanged greetings with the visitors and guests attending the reception at Bangabhaban. His wife, Rahat Ara Begum, was also present.
The event was attended by Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaisar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant with the rank of state minister Bijon Kanti Sarkar, and senior officials from the President’s Office.
