Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has pledged to extend its full cooperation to ensure a smooth and peaceful celebration of the upcoming Durga Puja, the largest religious festival for the Hindu community. Party Joint Secretary General Syed Emran Saleh Prince made the assurance while addressing a meeting with leaders of the local Puja Celebration Committee at Dakhbangla Hall in Dobaura Upazila of Mymensingh on Wednesday afternoon.

Prince called on Hindu devotees to observe the festival with devotion, solemnity, and joy in a harmonious environment. He stressed that BNP has always upheld the values of religious freedom, independence, and equality. He reiterated the party’s commitment to the principle of “religion is personal, the state belongs to all,” saying this philosophy guides the BNP’s position on inclusivity.

Highlighting the vision of BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Prince said Rahman seeks to build a united nation that embraces people of all religions, castes, languages, and cultures. He urged everyone, regardless of faith or ethnicity, to stand beside Rahman in working toward a cohesive and prosperous Bangladesh. Prince emphasized that mutual respect and cooperation across religious and cultural boundaries are central to BNP’s political ethos.

At a separate event, Prince addressed the issue of party nominations for the upcoming election. He acknowledged that multiple aspirants might seek nominations from each constituency but clarified that ultimately the party would select only one candidate per seat after careful consideration. According to him, such a process is normal in democratic politics.

Prince urged party members and supporters to remain united once the final nomination is declared. He stressed the importance of setting aside divisions and disputes to work collectively for the victory of the chosen candidate, as per the directives of Tarique Rahman. “Unity must be preserved at all costs,” he said, warning that no one should misuse BNP’s name for personal gain. He cautioned party activists to remain vigilant so that individual interests do not undermine collective goals.

Prince reminded his audience of Rahman’s call for discipline and solidarity, urging members to work with sincerity to strengthen the party’s position. He argued that unity and dedication would not only ensure electoral success but also contribute to building a political culture based on fairness, inclusivity, and accountability.

The meeting in Dobaura was attended by several prominent figures, including Subhash Chandra Biswas, President of the Upazila Puja Celebration Committee; General Secretary Dilip Kumar Chandra; community representatives such as Minati Shil, Jhuma Rani Sarker, Sanjit Sarker, Bimal Chandra Guff, and Hajong Binoy Roy. Former Upazila Chairman Mofiz Uddin, BNP Upazila Convener Professor Azharul Islam, as well as leaders and activists of BNP and its associated bodies, were also present.

Participants expressed appreciation for the BNP’s assurances of support during the upcoming Durga Puja and stressed the importance of fostering harmony and cooperation in society. The discussions also highlighted the role of political parties in promoting an atmosphere where religious festivals can be celebrated peacefully and without fear.

Prince concluded his remarks by reaffirming BNP’s commitment to stand by the Hindu community during their biggest religious festival and by restating the party’s broader vision of unity across all divides. He stressed that safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring peaceful coexistence remain central to BNP’s political mission.