Tofail for unity to build a non-communal country

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed urged the people from all walks of life to get united to build a non-communal country with the spirit of War of Liberation in 1971, reports UNB.

Mr Tofail made the call while addressing a rally of the Hindu community at Plassey crossing in the city prior to the start of a Janmashtami procession.

The country's Hindu community is celebrating Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, in festivity and with due religious fervour.

Mr Tofail said the '72 Constitution was formulated emphasising equality to create a non-communal society but a vested quarter started politics based on religion changing the '72 charter after killing Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "The country has seen many riots since then because of religion-based politics."

The veteran Awami League (AL) leader said time has come for all Bangalis to be united again with the spirit of the War of Liberation. "We all should get united under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to build a non-communal Bangladesh," he added.

Leaders of the Hindu community, including Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbajaneen Puja Committee, were present on the occasion.

Later, Sabayet (priest) of national Dhakeshwari temple Sree Pradip Kumar Chakrawarti inaugurated the traditional Janmashtami procession, taken out from Plassey intersection at around 4:10 pm and ended in Bahadur Shah Park area after parading different city streets.