Md. Mohibbullah Hawladar, Pirojpur District Correspondent

The government is committed to ensuring religious harmony and safeguarding every citizen’s right to practise their own religion, said Ahmed Sohel Manzur, MP, State Minister for Housing and Public Works.

He made the remarks on Monday (October 19) while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised to distribute special financial assistance and gifts to Durga Puja mandaps across Bhandaria upazila on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja. The event was held at 10am in the upazila parishad conference room.

“On behalf of the honourable prime minister and in my personal capacity, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Puja,” the state minister said.

He said Bangladesh belonged to people of all religions and that followers of different faiths had participated equally in the country’s Liberation War and every major movement. Every citizen, he added, had an equal right to practise their religion and enjoy fundamental rights.

Speaking about security during Durga Puja, Manzur said the administration and law enforcement agencies had taken appropriate measures to ensure that the festival was celebrated peacefully and in a healthy environment at every mandap. He also urged the leaders responsible for the puja mandaps to remain vigilant and attentive to overall security.

Seeking public cooperation to prevent drugs, terrorism and corruption in the area, the state minister said collective efforts were necessary to keep Bhandaria free from drugs and terrorism.

“If you notice any irregularities, corruption or law-and-order problems anywhere, inform the administration or contact me directly without fear. Prompt action will be taken while maintaining the confidentiality of the informant,” he said.

The programme was organised by the Bhandaria upazila administration and presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Hasibul Hasan. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Bhandaria Police Station Dewar Jaglul Hasan also spoke at the event.

Among those present were Bhandaria Upazila BNP General Secretary Monir Hossain Akon, Pourashava BNP Convener Abdul Mannan, former upazila chairman Atikul Islam Ujjal, former Sadar Union Parishad chairman Golam Sarwar Jamaddar, Upazila BNP Joint General Secretary Delwar Hossain, Organising Secretary Abul Kalam Molad Zomaddar, and Upazila Jubo Dal Member Secretary Md Shamim Hawladar, among others.

Presidents and general secretaries of various puja mandaps, leaders of puja celebration committees, representatives of law enforcement agencies and local dignitaries also attended the programme.

At the end of the meeting, the state minister handed over special financial assistance and gifts to representatives of all puja mandaps in the upazila.