Bangladesh is a singular example of communal unity, according to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Wednesday.

"We fought for our independence in 1971," he stated. The fundamental goal of Bangladesh's independence was to establish a fully democratic state and a genuinely non-communal society. We are striving to achieve that objective.

"We all need to take advantage of the changeover of '5/8,'" the BNP leader added. This nation is not just the property of one person.

Mirza Fakhrul said this while exchanging greetings with Hindu devotees during his visit to the central Puja Mandap of Dhakeshwari National Temple in the city.

On behalf of the BNP chairperson and the acting chairman, he extended greetings to the Hindu devotees and said, “May this Durga Puja bring unparallel joy to your lives, pave the way for a beautiful future and may Bangladesh truly become an example of communal harmony—that is my wish, that is my hope”.

BNP secretary general along with other central leaders visited the temple on the first day of the Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindu community.

The festival began on Wednesday with invocation of Goddess Durga on the day of Maha Shasthi.

Mohanagar Sarbojaneen Puja Udjapan Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb and General Secretary Tapash Chandra Paul, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President Basudeb Dhar and General Secretary Santosh Sharma and other leaders of the Puja Udjapan Committee welcomed the BNP secretary general at the Puja Mandap.

“The goddess, you are worshipping and whom you call Maa Durga, emerged to eliminate the demon, remove injustice and establish the brotherhood, friendship and harmony among people. She (Durga) was also emerged to eliminate hatred, revenge and retaliation and create a society with love and affection,” Mirza Fakhrul said.