Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain said the government has taken comprehensive preparations to ensure that the Hindu community can celebrate their largest religious festival, Sharadiya Durga Puja, with utmost joy, safety, and enthusiasm across the country.
“We will extend all-out cooperation on behalf of the government. We are fully prepared from every aspect so that our Hindu community, can celebrate this universal Durga Puja together in a much more festive and joyful atmosphere than any time in the past,” the minister said.
He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the launch of a musical album by noted cultural personality, and Freedom Fighter Dr Arup Ratan Choudhury at the National Museum today.
He assured that all necessary steps have been put in place to ensure that devotees and visitors can visit puja mandaps safely and move freely round the clock without any hesitation.
“We have taken full preparations so that people can roam freely and celebrate
day and night without any fear or hesitation. I have also made comprehensive
arrangements in my own constituency, and I will go there on the 16th to
oversee the celebrations,” he added.
Highlighting the growing vibrancy of the festival, the minister cited the situation in his own constituency, noting: “In my area alone, there are 77 puja mandaps this year-seven more than last year. Even at this age, I personally try to visit almost every temple day and night, working round the clock.”
He emphasized that Durga Puja in Bangladesh is not confined to one community, but rather serves as a glowing example of national unity and communal harmony.
“When I visit the mandaps, the spontaneous blend of people from all communities, the warm hospitality from the Hindu community, and Muslims and Hindus staying awake together all night in the spirit of celebration,” the minister said, adding, “That is the symbol of our communal harmony, which does not exist in many countries around the world. I feel proud of that.”
Reaffirming the spirit of non-communalism rooted in the 1971 Liberation War, he, himself a freedom fighter, recalled how freedom fighters from both Hindu and Muslim communities shared meals from the same pot at the camp without ever asking each other’s religious identity.
Wishing the festival grand success, the minister called upon everyone to maintain this bond of brotherhood and humanity so that future generations inherit a peaceful, happy, and prosperous Bangladesh.
