Dhaka, Oct 12 (V7N): BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman stated on Saturday that his party is committed to building a collective community "shield" to ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their caste or creed. He made this declaration in a post on his verified Facebook page, extending his warm greetings to the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.

In the post, accompanied by a photo of the Hindu goddess Durga, Tarique said, “I believe that every Bangladeshi citizen should enjoy equal rights, freedoms, and protections, without any distinction between Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Christian.”

He further added, “Our country belongs to all Bangladeshis. Together, we must form a collective community 'shield' to guarantee the safety of everyone, irrespective of their background or identity.”

Tarique concluded his message by expressing his wishes for peace, harmony, and prosperity for all households during the Durga Puja celebrations, and called for unity and cohesion among communities.

The ongoing Durga Puja festival, the most significant celebration for Bangladesh’s Hindu community, began on October 9 with Maha Shashthi. It will conclude on October 13 with the immersion of Durga idols, marking the end of the Sharadiya Durgotshab.

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