Last Updated on October 21, 2026 6:48 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Bangladesh President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday (October 21) urged young people to stand for truth, justice and humanity, warning against attempts to create religious divisions through misinformation and extremism.
Addressing a Bijoya Dashami reception at Durbar Hall of Bangabhaban, the presidential residence in Dhaka, Alamgir called for national unity and equal rights for all religious communities.
“Attempts are being made sometimes to create divisions through rumours, disinformation and religious extremism. We must remain firm and uncompromising against such attempts. The young generation, in particular, must stand up for truth, justice and humanity,” he said.
Calling for a safe, democratic and humane Bangladesh based on equality, mutual respect and social justice, the president said, “No evil force should be allowed to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions.”
“When wars, violence and communal conflicts are taking place in different parts of the world, people of all religions in Bangladesh are celebrating their respective festivals peacefully. This is our greatest achievement,” he said.
“This harmony is our strength, our very existence. We must preserve it at all costs,” he added.
Highlighting Bangladesh’s secular traditions, Alamgir said, “People of all religions have been living together on this land for thousands of years in mutual respect and brotherhood.”
“Participation of people of all religions in the Great Liberation War, as well as in all democratic struggles and movements against injustice, forms the foundation of national unity,” he said.
Extending Durga Puja greetings to Hindus, the president said, “I am delighted to welcome you to Bangabhaban at this joyous gathering today.”
“The underlying message of the festival is the destruction of evil forces and the victory of truth, beauty and welfare. Discrimination or oppression because of religion, race or community identity is totally unacceptable,” he added.
The president called for forming a national committee to ensure equal civic facilities and rights for people of all religions.
“Religion is for individuals but the state belongs to all. The right to have security and justice also belongs to all,” he said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights, Alamgir said, “The Constitution has guaranteed every citizen equal rights, dignity and religious freedom. The government is committed to implementing this goal.”
He said law enforcement agencies and the administration had been instructed to ensure that all religious communities could celebrate their festivals safely.
Earlier, representatives of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee welcomed the president with flowers at the Credentials Hall.
The president and First Lady Rahat Ara Begum later exchanged greetings with guests.
Religious affairs minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, state minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, Prime Minister’s special assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and senior presidential officials attended the reception.