Strong democracy crucial for ensuring rights of all communities: President

He said this when a 15-member delegation of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad paid a courtesy call on the President at Bangabhaban today, president’s press secretary told BSS during a briefing.

Parishad’s President Basudev Dhar and General Secretary Santosh Sharma led the delegation and conveyed the heartfelt congratulation to the President for assuming the office.   

The President said regular practice of democracy and strengthening democratic institutions are essential to take the country forward on the path of development and progress. 

“When democratic values are weakened, it becomes difficult to protect the country's independence, sovereignty and the rights of the people,” he said.

At this time, Santosh Sharma thanked the government for its cooperation in ensuring peaceful and orderly observance of various religious festivals of the Hindu community, including Janmashtami and Rath Yatra, in recent times. 

He conveyed to the President that followers of Sanatan religion were satisfied with the government initiatives to protect the rights and the dignity of the community.

The leaders of the Parishad also stressed ensuring security, access to justice and equal rights for citizens of all religions and communities, including the Hindu community.

The delegation invited the President to be present at the puja mandap at Dhakeshwari National Temple during the upcoming Durga Puja and exchange greetings with devotees and followers of Sanatan religion. 

The President accepted the invitation and thanked the delegation.

The President said, “The present government is committed to ensuring fair opportunities for all citizens based not on communal identity, but on merit, just rights and equality.”

He also called upon people of all, irrespective of religions and communities in the country, to build a non-communal, democratic, justice-based and humane Bangladesh unitedly.

The President expressed the hope that the upcoming Durga Puja would be held in a festive, peaceful and cordial atmosphere and that the Sharadiya Durga Pujawould further strengthen the bond of communal harmony in the country.

Senior officials from the President's Office were present during the meeting, reports BSS.