Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami amir Shafiqur Rahman has extended greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community, beginning from Sunday.
Shafiqur expressed the greetings in a statement released by the party鈥檚 central publicity division on Friday.
At the statement, the Jamaat amir urged the administration and law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security, so the Hindu community can celebrate their puja peacefully and without hindrance.
He also called upon the workers of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and all peace-loving citizens of the country to provide overall cooperation for the smooth celebration of the religious festival.
He, however, stated that Bangladesh was globally renowned and praised as a role model for communal harmony.
He emphasised that people from all communities, including Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian, had been observing their respective religions and other ceremonies in a festive and peaceful environment for generations.
He described the precedent of peaceful coexistence as rare in global history and noted that various international organisations and powerful nations had consistently lauded the unique environment of communal harmony in the Muslim-majority country.
They had designated Bangladesh as a 鈥楳oderate Muslim Country鈥� and a 鈥榬ole model鈥� for communal harmony, he added.
He recalled that a few years ago, former Australian high commissioner Greg Wilcock was impressed by the cooperation shown between faiths when puja and eid coincided, subsequently stating that Bangladesh was a country of communal harmony.
He also quoted European Union delegation head William Hanna, who remarked that a shining example of communal harmony like Bangladesh was rare globally.
Hanna had historically called Bangladesh an advanced model of communal harmony where people of all faiths and beliefs coexist peacefully, maintaining harmony and enjoying complete freedom to practice their respective religions.
Shafiqur concluded by stating that the collective participation in and presence at Bangladesh鈥檚 religious festivals turned them into a meeting ground for people from all walks of life, elevating the nation鈥檚 standing globally.
He expressed hope that Sharadiya Durgotsab would further strengthen the bonds of tolerance and harmony in the national life.
He also wished for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the Hindu community and all ethnic groups in Bangladesh.
He stressed the importance of preserving this tradition of communal harmony, noting that mutual love, tolerance, and respect are fundamental parts of the nation鈥檚 culture.
