All must work together for equal Bangladesh: Chief adviser

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has said everyone must work together, setting aside divisions of religion and ethnicity, to build a prosperous Bangladesh free from inequality and corruption, as envisioned through the July uprising.

In a message on Saturday, September 27 marking Durga Puja, he said: “Let all darkness, injustice and evil be defeated, and let truth and goodness prevail. May Bangladesh march forward on the path of welfare and prosperity — this is my prayer on the occasion of Durga Puja.”

Dr Yunus extended greetings and best wishes to all Hindu citizens on the occasion of the festival.

He said Durga Puja is the main religious festival of the Hindu community in Bangladesh. According to Hindu belief, Goddess Durga descends to earth to bless her devotees, destroy evil and nurture creation. “This worship of truth and beauty gives Durga Puja a unique significance,” he said.

Bangladesh is an extraordinary example of harmony among people of different religions and communities, Dr Yunus added. “Regardless of faith, our common identity is that we are all Bangladeshis. Upholding this spirit of communal harmony, I hope Durga Puja will be celebrated peacefully and with enthusiasm across the country.”

He further said: “Peace, friendship and equality are the essence of all religions. Serving humanity is their ultimate teaching. Alongside practising our own faith, we must uphold mutual respect, compassion and solidarity, thereby creating an environment of peace in society.”