Staff Correspondent

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 divided into minorities and majorities.

"Every citizen would enjoy equal rights, equal security, equal freedom and equal dignity from the state, society and government. Ensuring these rights, security and respect for every individual as a citizen is a specific plan of the government," he said.

Amin said this while inaugurating the Mahalaya celebration organized by Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation at Banani Ground in the capital at dawn.

The prime minister's adviser called upon the people irrespective of religion or ethnicity to work towards establishing truth and justice and building a modern, harmonious Bangladesh overcoming all adversities and obstacles.

Photo: BSS

"The government wants to build a Bangladesh where no one would face discrimination or division because of their religious identity. Everyone would be able to live freely with their heads held high and participate in the country's overall development and progress with equal dignity," he said.

Mentioning that the government has increased allocations for every Durga Puja mandap this year under the Prime Minister's directive after a long interval, the PMO spokesperson said the number of government holidays for the Puja has also been extended in line with the long-standing demand of the community.

He said Mahalaya symbolises a new ray of hope and the victory of good over evil as the main essence of Mahalaya is to leave darkness behind and ensure the triumph of light. 

He said Durga Puja represents a strong bond rooted in Bangladesh's longstanding traditions, culture and communal harmony. 

Describing the people as Bangladesh's greatest strength, Amin said the collective aspirations and expectations of the people, along with their firm determination to remain united, were the driving forces behind the country's progress.

He said the government believes that the interests of the people, national sovereignty and the overall welfare of the public are the government's foremost priorities. 

"That is why we say, 'Bangladesh First'," he added.

Mahdi said that moving forward with the country's interests as a priority requires everyone to work shoulder to shoulder.

Prime Minister's Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pawan Kumar Badhe, Vice-Chairman of the Hindu Religious Welfare Trust Tapan Kanti Majumder, President of the Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation Alok Saha, and General Secretary Binoy Gopal Roy, among others, were present.

Upon his arrival at the venue at 6am, the foundation leaders welcomed the PMO spokesperson with flowers and presented him with a traditional uttariya (ceremonial shawl). 

A special cultural programme was subsequently held. With the celebration of Maha Mahalaya, the countdown for the Sharadiya Durga Puja began.