Staff Reporter :
Finance and Planning Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury yesterday said that the autumnal Durga Puja is a universal and national festival.
He said the government is moving toward fulfilling the pledge made by party leader Tarique Rahman to build a truly inclusive nation, and urged everyone to work together in harmony and love, to achieve it.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury made these remarks on Friday evening (October 9) as chief guest at a gift distribution ceremony organized by the Chattogram Zila Parisad to mark Durga Puja.
The event was held at the J.M. Sen Hall premises. Chattogram Zila Parisad Chairman Mahbubur Rahman Shamim presided over the function while City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain addressed the function as main speaker. Srimat Tapananda Giri Maharaj, Principal of Shankar Math and Mission, offered his blessings.
Khasru acknowledged that minor difficulties may arise in some places, but urged people to regard them as insignificant and focus instead on the great potential ahead. He said every society and country has its share of miscreants, a universal phenomenon that exists even in Western nations. He stressed the need for collective unity so that such elements cannot disrupt the harmony and love among the people.
The minister pointed to the nation’s shared history as the source of this universality. He described Durga Puja as a festival for everyone: although it is a specific religious observance, it has grown into a national celebration.
Khasru reiterated the commitment to building an inclusive nation, saying there must be equal space and a level playing field for all. Everyone should have the opportunity to participate, and the state’s facilities and benefits should reach all citizens equally. He said the current government is taking various measures toward this goal.
He added that when there is peace of mind, love, and a spirit of harmony, such things happen naturally. ”
Ershad Ullah, MP and Abu Sufian, MP also addressed the function as special guests.
Shri Harish Kumar, Assistant High Commissioner at the Assistant High Commission office of India in Chattogram, and Abul Hashem Bakkar, former General Secretary of Chattogram city BNP, Chowdhury Raushan Islam, Chief Executive Officer of the Jilla Parisad also spoke in the function.
