BANGLADESH Prez Hamid, PM Sheikh Hasina greet people on Durga Puja Fest

Bangladesh President M. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of the Durga Puja as the  5 -day celebrations commenced with the unveiling of the face of the deity and it will conclude on October 26 with the immersion of the idols. Durga Puja is being held in 30,225 mandaps across the country which is about 1173 less than the figure last year with covid-19 protocols. The capital city Dhaka alone has 233 Puja mandaps for Durga Puja this year. Greeting people on the occasion, President M. Abdul Hamid in his message said that Durga Puja is not only a religious festival but also a social one, reported the official news agency BSS. He said that it is a universal festival which proves that religion is for individuals but festivals are for all. President Abdul Hamid said that Durga Puja plays an important role in creating unity and mutual harmony among people. He urged the people to observe the festival following the health guidelines issued by the government in view of the Corona pandemic. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that Durga Puja is not only the festival of the Hindu community but it has turned into a universal festival. Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony, she says adding the country’s constitution ensures equal rights to all and it is a safe place for all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion. She also urged people to observe health guidelines and maintain communal harmony. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent a congratulatory note and gifts for West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the occasion. “The gifts included a sari, sweets and flowers. Keeping in view the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, there will be no programmes to celebrate the Kumari Puja in Dhaka. Additionally, mandaps (pavilions) across the country will be closed every day at 9 pm, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad (BPUP) has announced. BPUP President Milon Kanti Dutta said Kumari Puja is usually held on the eighth day of Durga Puja at Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka. But there will be no Kumari Puja this year considering the coronavirus situation in the capital city. However, it may take place in one or two areas outside Dhaka, he added. edited by PK Chakravarty