President M Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages, on Thursday greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami, the birthday of Sri Krishna, reports BSS.
In a message on the eve of the occasion, President said the main philosophy of Sri Krishna was to forge the bond of true love and amity among people, removing injustice, repression, persecution and conflicts from the society. Sri Krishna emerged imbibing with his inherent qualities in such situation on the earth where injustice and discrimination pervaded, the president said, adding that Sri Krishna was a philanthropist, lover and social reformer.
Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony, Abdul Hamid said, adding that followers of all religions observe their rituals maintaining mutual harmony and amity since time immortal in the country. “So, communal harmony is our great heritage. Mutual harmony and amity should be kept intact through maintaining mutual harmony by all,” the President said.
Welfare of mankind is the essence of all religions, he said, calling upon followers of all faiths to work together for national progress through strengthening the bond of fraternity and friendship existing in the society. The President wished all success of the Janmashtami celebrations. In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Sri Krishna had upheld the flag of peace, love for humanity and justice throughout his life.
The main objective of Sri Krishna was to establish friendship among people and parity in society, the premier said, adding that he adored the mankind through his work and lifestyle. “Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony where people of all castes and creeds have been living in harmony for ages. Our constitution has guaranteed equal rights for people of all castes and creeds. We believe that religion is for individuals, festival for all,” Sheikh Hasina said.
The present government is pledge-bound to maintain communal harmony in the country, the Prime Minister added. The ideals and teachings of Sri Krishna would further consolidate the thousand-year-old communal harmony and bond of friendship of the Bengali, she said. The Prime Minister hoped that the festival, Janmashtami, would inspire the disciples of Sri Krishna to follow his ideals. The premier wished happiness, peace and welfare for all citizens of the country.