Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman today said the underlying message of all the religions is patriotism, peace and human welfare.

“The core message of all the religions is patriotism, peace and human welfare. It is the responsibility for all of us to be determined to establish peace and equality in the society against barbaric and violent wars,” he said in a statement on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community.

Extending his sincere greetings to the members of Hindu community, BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman wished them happiness, peace and welfare on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami.

Tarique Rahman said: “Durga Puja has been celebrated as the biggest religious festival of Hindu community in many countries including Bangladesh from time immemorial. Peeping of Kashful and advent of winter around Bangladesh during autumn convey the arrival message of the festival.”

“Durga Puja has been celebrated in a festive mode for centuries. In Bangladesh, it has also been celebrated in a festive atmosphere. And the festival is the manifestation of light from the shadow of darkness,” he added.

Mentioning that the festival premises is open for all irrespective of religions, Tarique Rahman said: “The doors of the festival premises can never be closed for anyone. Each religious festival creates a close bond among people and awakens a sense of solidarity and brotherhood among all.”

He pointed out that the core message of Durga Puja is to establish heavenly peace in society, where human equality and justice will be ensured by destroying envy, violence, greed and demons in guise of anger from the society.

Tarique added: “The underlying urge of this worship is to establish human welfare in the society through fighting against those who want to destroy the society, human civilization and establish misrule through persecution and revenge.”

Through comprehending the underlying messages, everyone should share the joy of the festival because the scope of the festival is not narrow; rather it is open and universal, Tarique added.

BNP acting chairman said: “I firmly believe that there should be inviolable provision for equal rights and protection for every citizen of Bangladesh irrespective of religious identities—Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist or Christian.”

“As a united nation, our country includes people from all communities,” said Tarique Rahman, calling upon the countrymen to form a collective community, where a unique precedent will be set by ensuring safety of all irrespective of religions, caste, etc.

Extending warm felicitation and best wishes to all concerned in the joyous Durga Puja festival, Tarique said the festival would accelerate mutual solidarity among all communities along with bringing peace and harmony to each home.

“Irrespective of religions and caste, our biggest identity is that we are Bangladeshi,” Tarique concluded wishing all success of the Durga Puja festival.