President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, today greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna.
In a message on the eve of the occasion, the president said Janmashtami is one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community.
Sri Krishna was a symbol of humanity and social reformer whose main philosophy was to forge the bond of true love and harmony among people, removing injustice, repression, persecution and conflicts from society, he said.
“Communal harmony is our great heritage. We will have to keep intact the mutual amity and harmony with our united efforts,” the president said.
Welfare of mankind is the essence of all religions, he said, calling upon followers of all religious faiths to work together for national progress through strengthening the bond of fraternity and friendship existing in the society.
Mentioning the global coronavirus pandemic, the president said the government is making all-out efforts to check the spread of the deadly virus.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Sri Krishna had upheld the flag of peace and love for humanity and justice throughout his life.
The main objective of Sri Krishna was to establish friendship among people and parity in society, the premier said, adding that he adored mankind through his work and lifestyle.
“Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony where people of all castes and creeds have been living in harmony for ages. Our constitution has guaranteed equal rights for people of all castes and creeds. We believe that religion is for individuals, festival for all,” Sheikh Hasina said.
The present government is pledge-bound to maintain communal harmony in the country, the prime minister added.
The prime minister hoped that the Janmashtami festival would inspire the disciples of Sri Krishna to follow his ideals.
She urged all to celebrate the festival maintaining social distancing in the wake of the outbreak of coronavirus pandemic.
The premier wished happiness, peace and welfare for all citizens of the country.