Prime Minister’s Adviser and Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) spokesperson Mahdi Amin on Saturday said the government wants to build a Bangladesh where people are identified as Bangladeshis rather than being divided into minorities and majorities.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Mahalaya celebration organised by the Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation at Banani Ground in Dhaka at dawn, he said every citizen should enjoy equal rights, security, freedom and dignity.
He said ensuring equal rights and respect for all citizens is part of the government’s plans and stressed that no one should face discrimination because of their religious identity.
“The government wants to build a Bangladesh where everyone can live with dignity and contribute equally to the country’s development and progress,” he said.
Mahdi called on people of all religions and ethnic backgrounds to work together to establish truth and justice and build a modern and harmonious Bangladesh.
Referring to Durga Puja, he said the government, under the prime minister’s directive, had increased allocations for puja mandaps this year after a long gap. He also noted that the number of public holidays for the festival had been extended in response to a longstanding demand from the community.
Describing Mahalaya as a symbol of hope and the victory of good over evil, he said its core message is to leave darkness behind and ensure the triumph of light.
He said Durga Puja reflects Bangladesh’s rich traditions, culture and communal harmony.
Mahdi described the people of Bangladesh as the country’s greatest strength, saying their aspirations, unity and determination have driven national progress.
He said the government places the interests of the people, national sovereignty and public welfare above all else.
“That is why we say, ‘Bangladesh First’,” he added.
He also urged everyone to work together with the country’s interests as the top priority.
Among those present were Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Kumar Badhe, Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Vice-Chairman Tapan Kanti Majumder, Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation President Alok Saha, and General Secretary Binoy Gopal Roy.
Mahdi arrived at the venue at 6am, where foundation leaders welcomed him with flowers and presented him with a traditional uttariya.
A cultural programme was later held. The observance of Mahalaya marked the beginning of the countdown to Sharadiya Durga Puja.
