Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, issued a statement today, 26 September extending greetings to the Hindu community and urging the administration to ensure security on the occasion of Sharadiya Durga Festival.

In the statement he said, “The main phase of the grand religious festival of the Hindu community, Sharadiya Durga Puja, is going to begin on 28 September. On this occasion, I extend my sincere greetings to the Hindu community on behalf of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and on my own behalf.

He further said, Bangladesh is recognized and praised worldwide as a role model of communal harmony. In our beloved homeland Bangladesh, people of all communities—including Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and Christians—have been celebrating their respective religions and rituals in a festive and peaceful environment with complete freedom for centuries. Such an example of peaceful coexistence is rare in world history.

He said, various powerful countries and international organizations have, from time to time, highly appreciated this unique environment of communal harmony in this Muslim-majority country. They have referred to Bangladesh as a ‘Moderate Muslim Country’ and a ‘Role Model’ of communal harmony. A few years ago, being impressed by Bangladesh’s communal harmony, former Australian High Commissioner H.E. Greg Wilcock said, ‘Bangladesh is a land of communal harmony. We are impressed to see how people of one faith assist people of another faith when Puja and Eid are celebrated at the same time.’ William Hanna, Head of Delegation of the European Union, said, ‘The bright example of communal harmony in Bangladesh is rare in the world. Historically, Bangladesh is an advanced model of communal harmony. People of all faiths and beliefs here have long been living side by side in peace and harmony and enjoying full freedom in practicing their respective religions.’ With everyone’s participation and presence, religious festivals in Bangladesh elevated us as a nation to a high standing in the world.

He further said, May the Sharadiya Durga Festival strengthen the bonds of tolerance and harmony in our national life. I wish happiness, peace, and prosperity for all communities of Bangladesh, including the Hindu community. Mutual love, tolerance, and respect are integral parts of our culture. This tradition of communal harmony must be preserved.

Like in the past, I call upon the law enforcement agencies to ensure adequate security so that the Hindu community can perform their Sharadiya Durga Puja smoothly and peacefully this time as well. At the same time, I earnestly appeal to all levels of manpower of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the peace-loving people of the country to extend their full cooperation to make this religious festival of Sharadiya Puja successful.”