President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Thursday called upon all to uphold the values of sacrifice, equality, compassion and social harmony on the occasion of holy Eid-ul-Azha.

In his Eid message, the President said Eid-ul-Azha is not only one of the major religious festivals for Muslims but also a universal call to sacrifice hatred, arrogance and the “animalistic instincts” within human beings.

“We are celebrating the holy Eid-ul-Azha today with the unparalleled glory of complete submission to Almighty Allah and the ideals of equality, harmony and sacrifice in Islam,” he said.

Highlighting the significance of the festival, Shahabuddin said the teachings of Eid inspire people to strengthen fraternity, selflessness, mutual respect and social solidarity.

The President also said Eid-ul-Azha plays an important role in meeting the nutritional needs of underprivileged people in society while contributing significantly to the development of the livestock sector and the country’s overall economy.

Calling upon affluent members of society, he urged them to share the joy of Eid with the poor, orphans, deprived relatives and neighbours.

“I call upon the well-off and affluent people of society to sincerely share the joy of Qurbani with deprived and poor people, orphans, needy relatives and neighbours,” he said, adding that everyone should come forward to ensure the rights of the underprivileged and dedicate themselves to the welfare of humanity.

The President also made a special appeal to citizens to cooperate with the authorities in the quick and proper disposal of sacrificial waste to maintain environmental cleanliness and protect public health.

He urged people to embrace the spirit of unity over division, compassion over violence, justice over selfishness and equality over discrimination to build a humane, democratic, non-communal and prosperous Bangladesh.

“Let the glorious message of holy Eid-ul-Azha further strengthen the bonds of humanity and bring peace, harmony and prosperity to all,” the President said.

Earlier, President Shahabuddin offered Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the country’s main congregation at the National Eidgah on Thursday morning.

People from different classes, professions and age groups gathered at the National Eidgah on the Supreme Court premises and took part in the prayers with raised hands.