President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged the younger generation to take a firm stand in support of truth, justice and humanity, stressing the need to resist attempts to create divisions through rumours, misinformation and religious extremism.

He made the remarks on Wednesday morning (October 21) at a state reception held at Bangabhaban to mark Sharadiya Durga Puja and Bijoya Dashami 2026.

The president said attempts are sometimes made to sow division in society through rumours, disinformation and religious extremism. He called on everyone to remain firm and uncompromising in confronting such efforts, particularly urging young people to speak out in favour of truth, justice and humanity.

He said Bangladesh belongs to everyone and must be built through collective efforts. No malicious force should be allowed to undermine national unity and progress by creating divisions.

He also called for building a safe, democratic, humane and welfare-oriented Bangladesh based on mutual respect, equality and social justice.
President Stresses the Importance of Religious Harmony
Extending his greetings to members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Bijoya Dashami, the president said he was delighted to welcome them to Bangabhaban for the festive gathering.

Referring to ongoing wars, violence and communal conflicts in different parts of the world, he said people of all faiths in Bangladesh were celebrating their respective religious festivals peacefully. He described this harmony as one of the country’s greatest achievements and stressed that it must be preserved at all costs.

Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, he said, adding that its people uphold secular values and that followers of different religions have lived together on this land for thousands of years in a spirit of mutual respect and brotherhood.

He identified the participation of people from all religious communities in the Liberation War, democratic movements and struggles against injustice as a foundation of national unity.

The president said the underlying message of the festival was the destruction of evil and the triumph of truth, beauty and goodwill.

Call for Equal Rights Regardless of Religion
The president said discrimination or persecution against any citizen on the basis of religion, race or community identity was unacceptable. He also called for the formation of a national committee to ensure equal civic facilities for people of all faiths.

“Religion belongs to individuals, but the state belongs to everyone. Everyone has the right to security and justice. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians—we are all citizens of this country. The Constitution guarantees equal rights, dignity and religious freedom to everyone. The government is committed to implementing these principles,” he said.

He added that law enforcement agencies and the administration had been instructed to remain highly vigilant to ensure that people of all religions could observe their religious practices in a safe and joyful environment.

Representatives of Religious Organisations Attend Reception
Earlier, when the president arrived at the Darbar Hall, leaders of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust, Bangladesh Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Metropolitan Universal Puja Committee welcomed him with flowers.

The president exchanged greetings with visitors and guests attending the reception at Bangabhaban. His wife, Rahat Ara Begum, was also present.

Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaisar, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant (with the rank of state minister) Bijon Kanti Sarkar, and senior officials of the President’s Office also attended the event.