Shama Obaed said this year’s Durga Puja was different from last year’s, as Bangladesh now had an elected democratic government.
TBS Report
20 October, 2026, 10:35 am
Last modified: 20 October, 2026, 10:40 am
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said the government is committed to ensuring religious freedom, equal rights and security for all citizens, regardless of religion or caste.
"We do not believe in the word minority. Regardless of religion or caste, all 18 crore people of Bangladesh will live with equal rights. We are committed to ensuring the religious freedom, rights and security of everyone," she said.
She made the remarks last night (19 October) while visiting Durga Puja mandaps in Saltha upazila of Faridpur, where she addressed devotees at Sahapara Puja Mandap as chief guest.
Shama Obaed said this year's Durga Puja was different from last year's, as Bangladesh now had an elected democratic government.
She said the BNP was committed to protecting the rights and security of people of all religions.
Recalling last year's celebrations, she said BNP leaders and activists had worked with temple committee members to guard the mandaps throughout the night and prevent untoward incidents.
She also asked members of the Hindu community whether they had received a higher allocation for this year's Durga Puja than under the previous government.
The state minister said people had faced difficult circumstances over the past 17 years, but this year people of different faiths were celebrating the festival together in a spirit of fraternity.
She described this harmony as a defining feature of Bangladesh and expressed hope that it would grow stronger through the participation of people of all religions and backgrounds.
Reiterating the government's position under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, she said every citizen had equal rights and no one should be treated differently because of their religion or caste.
Recalling her father, former BNP secretary general KM Obaidur Rahman, she said he had also visited Puja mandaps and worked for people regardless of their religion or caste.
She urged BNP leaders and activists to remain united, avoid internal conflicts and factionalism, and work together to strengthen the party.
Among those present were Saltha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dabir Uddin, Saltha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Bablur Rahman Khan, former Saltha Upazila Parishad vice-chairman Md Asad Matubbar, former BNP vice-president Shahin Matubbar and senior joint general secretary Khairul Bashar Azad, along with other party leaders and activists.