Desk Report:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has stated that this year’s Sharadiya Durga Puja is being celebrated across the country with the highest number of puja mandaps (pavilions), the largest financial allocations, the most extensive holidays, the highest level of security, and a spirit of great joy and festivity.
The Minister made these remarks while serving as the chief guest at the ‘Maha Shashthi’ (the first day of the main Durga Puja rituals) event—organized by the ‘Gulshan-Banani Sarbajanin Puja Foundation’—held at the Banani Puja grounds, adjacent to Kamal Ataturk Avenue in the capital, on Friday (October 16, 2026).
The Minister stated, “The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees every citizen the right to practice their religion freely, construct places of worship, and observe all religious rituals without any form of discrimination.”
In his address, the Minister emphasized using the term “religious harmony” (dharmiya sampriti) rather than “communal harmony” (sampradayik sampriti), noting, “None of us arrived here as a ‘community’ (sampradaya). Neither the country’s laws nor its Constitution identifies anyone as a ‘community’.” “We are all independent citizens of Bangladesh with equal rights.” He noted that while in the past, followers of the Sanatan Dharma were often exploited for political gain or treated merely as a ‘vote bank,’ the current government prioritizes the rights of all individuals as citizens.
The Home Minister highly praised the aesthetic decorations at the Banani Puja Mandap—themed ‘Jalaja’ (Aquatic)—which incorporated indigenous cultural elements and motifs. He remarked that this presentation, rooted in local tradition, is truly extraordinary and commendable.
Special guests at the event included Inspector General of Police (IGP) Md. Ali Hossain Fakir, the Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, and various other ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps. Other speakers included Tabith Awal, Chairman of the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) and a member of the BNP Executive Committee; Barrister Omar Sadat, President of the Gulshan Society; and Shawkat Ali Bhuiyan (Dilon), President of the Banani Society.
The event was presided over by Alok Saha, President of the Gulshan-Banani Sarbojanin Puja Foundation, and moderated by foundation member Swapna Bhowmik. The welcome address was delivered by the foundation’s General Secretary, Binay Gopal Roy.
The program commenced on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shashthi with devotional songs and dances welcoming Goddess Durga, the ceremonial lighting of the ‘Mangal Pradip’ (auspicious lamp), and the unveiling of ‘Bodhon’—a special commemorative publication for the Sharadiya (Durga Puja) season.
