Staff Correspondent

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md 
Sakhawat Husain said the government has taken comprehensive preparations to 
ensure that the Hindu community can celebrate their largest religious 
festival, Sharadiya Durga Puja, with utmost joy, safety, and enthusiasm 
across the country.

"We will extend all-out cooperation on behalf of the government. We are fully 
prepared from every aspect so that our Hindu community, can celebrate this 
universal Durga Puja together in a much more festive and joyful atmosphere 
than any time in the past," the minister said.

He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest at the launch of a 
musical album by noted cultural personality, and Freedom Fighter Dr Arup 
Ratan Choudhury at the National Museum on Wednesday.

He assured that all necessary steps have been put in place to ensure that 
devotees and visitors can visit puja mandaps safely and move freely round the 
clock without any hesitation.

"We have taken full preparations so that people can roam freely and celebrate 
day and night without any fear or hesitation. I have also made comprehensive 
arrangements in my own constituency, and I will go there on the 16th to 
oversee the celebrations," he added.

Highlighting the growing vibrancy of the festival, the minister cited the 
situation in his own constituency, noting: "In my area alone, there are 77 
puja mandaps this year-seven more than last year. Even at this age, I 
personally try to visit almost every temple day and night, working round the 
clock."

He emphasized that Durga Puja in Bangladesh is not confined to one community, 
but rather serves as a glowing example of national unity and communal 
harmony.

"When I visit the mandaps, the spontaneous blend of people from all 
communities, the warm hospitality from the Hindu community, and Muslims and 
Hindus staying awake together all night in the spirit of celebration," the 
minister said, adding, "That is the symbol of our communal harmony, which 
does not exist in many countries around the world. I feel proud of that."

Reaffirming the spirit of non-communalism rooted in the 1971 Liberation War, 
he, himself a freedom fighter, recalled how freedom fighters from both Hindu 
and Muslim communities shared meals from the same pot at the camp without 
ever asking each other's religious identity.

Wishing the festival grand success, the minister called upon everyone to 
maintain this bond of brotherhood and humanity so that future generations 
inherit a peaceful, happy, and prosperous Bangladesh.