A divisional preparatory meeting held at a city hotel in Khulna, organized under Tarique Rahman's directive to ensure peaceful celebration of Durga Puja by the Hindu community. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Sept 19, 2025 (BSS) - Central leaders of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) urged party leaders and activists across the country to remain vigilant against conspiracies aimed at disrupting the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.

Conveying the message of the party's Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, the BNP leaders said unity among citizens of all faiths is essential to safeguard democracy, communal harmony and national sovereignty.

They made the call on Thursday evening at a divisional preparatory meeting held at a city hotel in Khulna, organized under Tarique Rahman's directive to ensure peaceful celebration of Durga Puja by the Hindu community.

BNP National Executive Committee's Information Secretary Azizul Bari Helal addressed the meeting as chief guest, while Student Affairs Secretary Rakibul Islam Bakul spoke as special guest. 

The session was presided over by Acting Khulna Divisional Organizing Secretary Aninda Islam Amit.

Speaking on the occasion, Azizul Bari Helal said: "Sanatan (Hindu) believers are citizens of this country. Ensuring their safety is our moral, political, and social responsibility. Fascist and evil forces are attempting to disrupt the upcoming national election by targeting Puja mandaps. Everyone must remain ready to ensure security during the festival."

Echoing his views, Rakibul Islam Bakul warned that Bangladesh is passing through a critical juncture. "As the election nears, miscreants are waiting for opportunities to delay polls and obstruct democracy. Past experience shows they have tried to destroy communal harmony. This must not be allowed to happen again," he said.

Khulna City BNP President Advocate Shafiqul Alam Mona, Bagerhat coordinator M.A. Salam, Narail district president Bishwas Jahangir Alam, Jashore district president Syed Saberul Haque Sabu, Satkhira district president Rahmat Ullah Palash, Jhenaidah district president M.A. Majid, Magura district president Ali Ahmed, Chuadanga district president Sharif Uddin and Meherpur district president Javed Masud Milton, among others, also addressed the event.

The meeting affirmed that BNP leaders and activists at all levels would extend full cooperation to the Hindu community so that Durga Puja can be celebrated peacefully and without fear.

In addition, the meeting agreed to form volunteer teams comprising BNP activists and local Puja committee members at district, metropolitan, upazila, municipal, union, and ward levels.

These teams will guard Puja mandaps round the clock, under the coordination of divisional organizing secretaries.

Central Assistant Organizing Secretary Jayanta Kumar Kundu and Khulna City BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin jointly conducted the meeting.