President calls upon people of all faiths to work for a prosperous Bangladesh

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged all irrespective of castes and religions to work together to make Bangladesh a developed, and prosperous country, report agencies.

"The existing harmony and mutual amity in the society should be kept unhurt to speed up the national progress and prosperity," said the president while exchanging greetings with the members of Hindu community at a reception at the Bangabhaban on Sunday on the occasion of Durga Puja.

He called upon everyone, regardless of party affiliation, to stand by the victims of the recent floods.

Mentioning that the basic message of all religions is human welfare, he said, "We are all Bangladeshis. We are connected with each other. There is no place for majority or minority in the country. Religious values should be used for the welfare of the country and people."

Shahabuddin said the pledge of this year's Bijaya Dashami is to build a progressive and peaceful social system for the new generation with mutual sympathy, harmony and human values.

Greeting the Hindus on the occasion of Durga Puja, he said Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony.

Later, the president exchanged greetings with the invited guests.

Leaders of the Hindu community, foreign diplomats and Hindu dignitaries of various professions attended event.

Religious Affairs Adviser A F M Khalid Hossain, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy, Hindu religious leaders and the president's secretaries were present on the occasion.