Maintaining non-communal spirit a big achievement: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said it is a big achievement for Bangladesh that its people have learnt to move upholding its non-communal spirit.

"We always say religions are for individuals but festivals are for all. We all together celebrate our festivals. It's a big achievement in Bangladesh that we've learnt to move with a non-communal spirit," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said this while visiting Ramkrishna Mission in the city on the occasion of Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu community.

Responding to the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all people -- Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians -- irrespective of their religions fought shoulder to shoulder and liberated the country sacrificing their blood, she said.

"So, we always wanted that the people from all religions to perform the rituals of their respective religions independently with dignity in this independent Bangladesh. And we've been able to create such an environment," said the Prime Minister.

"We at least can say when Awami League assumes power, such a nice environment is created!" she said, adding that Hindus have been celebrating their festivals -- Puja-Parban-- in an excellent manner during the tenure of Awami League for the last 10 years.

Sheikh Hasina said people irrespective of their religion, caste and creed celebrate Pahela Baishakh and Bangla Nababarsha and the government also provides Pahela Baishakh allowance.

People respect the religion of each other here, she said.

The government wants to contain social diseases like terrorism, militancy, drugs and corruption so that those cannot destroy family, society and country.

Kazi Firoze Rashid, MP and Inspector General of Police Dr Mohammad Javed Patwary also spoke at the programme.

Principal of Ramkrishna Math and Secretary of Ramkrishna Mission Swami Purnamtananda Maharaj delivered the welcome address on the occasion.