President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called on all to preserve Bangladesh’s long-standing tradition of communal harmony, saying the central message of Durga Puja is to stand against and defeat injustice, oppression, dishonesty and persecution.

“We can say with great conviction that I do not know of anywhere else in the world where communal harmony exists as it does in Bangladesh,” he said while visiting Ramna Kali Mandir in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja.

The President said at a time when conflicts, violence and hatred prevail across the world, the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja by members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh stands as a shining example of communal harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Extending his greetings to the community, he said Durga Puja is one of their major religious festivals and conveys the values of justice, peace, harmony and human welfare.

“Demons have emerged repeatedly in this country, and the people of Bangladesh have defeated them,” Mirza Fakhrul said.

Recalling the history of Ramna Kali Mandir, he said attempts were made to destroy it in 1971 and that the temple was subsequently demolished in 1973. “The destruction was carried out by those who spoke of secularism,” he said.

The President said the temple was restored in 2001 at the initiative of BNP leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy following instructions from then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia.

He also paid tribute to Khaleda Zia.

Calling on people to remain united in protecting communal harmony, Mirza Fakhrul said Bangladesh's record of communal harmony is often misrepresented and subjected to misinformation.

He assured members of the Hindu community that the government will work sincerely to address the problems they currently face.

The President wished everyone peaceful and successful Durga Puja celebrations and thanked those who performed in a cultural programme there.

Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Ethnic Affairs Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Ramna Temple President Arpana Roy Das and General Secretary Milton Baidya were present on the stage.

Subhash Chandra Das, a member of Ramna Temple, honoured the President by draping a traditional uttariya around him.