President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today (21 October) called for the formation of a national committee to ensure equal civic rights and facilities for people of all religions in Bangladesh.
"Religion is personal, but the state belongs to all. Everyone has the right to security and justice," he said, stressing that Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians are all citizens of the country and are entitled to equal rights, dignity and religious freedom under the Constitution.
The president made the remarks while exchanging greetings with members of the Hindu community at Bangabhaban on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami 2026. His wife Rahat Ara Begum was present.
Emphasising the importance of communal harmony, Mirza Fakhrul said while 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 harmony is our strength and our very existence. We must preserve it at all costs," he said.
The president warned that attempts are sometimes made to create divisions through rumours, misinformation and religious extremism, urging a firm and uncompromising stance against such efforts.
He urged the younger generation, in particular, to speak out in favour of truth, justice and humanity.
"The country belongs to all of us, and we must build it together. No evil force should be allowed to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions," Mirza Fakhrul said.
He called for building a safe, democratic, humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh founded on mutual respect, equality and social justice.
Describing Bangladesh as a country of communal harmony, the President said people of different faiths have lived together on this land for thousands of years in an atmosphere of mutual respect and brotherhood.
He also noted that the participation of people from all religious communities in the War of Liberation, democratic struggles and movements against injustice laid the foundation for national unity.
Greeting members of the Hindu community on Bijoya Dashami, Mirza Fakhrul said he was delighted to welcome them to Bangabhaban for the festive occasion.
He said the underlying message of the festival is the destruction of evil and the triumph of truth, beauty and welfare.
"No citizen should face discrimination or persecution because of their religion, ethnicity or community identity," the President said.
He said law enforcement agencies and the administration have been directed to remain highly vigilant to ensure that people of all faiths can practise their religions in a safe and joyful environment.
Earlier, when the President arrived at the Credential Hall of Bangabhaban, leaders of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and the Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee greeted him with flowers.
Mirza Fakhrul and his wife exchanged greetings with visitors and guests who attended the event.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar and senior officials of the President's Office were also present.