DHAKA, Feb 13, 2024 (BSS) -President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in separate messages today, greeted the members of the Hindu community on the occasion of the Saraswati Puja.

The Hindu community is set to celebrate Saraswati Puja, worshiping the Goddess of knowledge, music, art and culture, across the country tomorrow amid much enthusiasm, festivity and religious fervor.

Both the President and Prime Minister pointed out the heritage of interfaith harmony and the government's commitment to ensure rights of all people belonging to diverse religions to establish a non-communal and secular smart Bangladesh as part of building a 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

In his message, President Mohammed Shahabuddin said the participation of all irrespective of castes, creeds and religions in this Saraswati festival is the reflection of non-communal spirit and heritage of the country.

"Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony," the President said and urged all to make contributions from their respective positions to further consolidate this harmony.

He expressed his firm belief that the nation would be able to build 'Sonar Bangla' as dreamt by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with concerted efforts by members of all communities.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in her message, said Bangladesh is traditionally a country of communal harmony where all people irrespective of religions and castes have complete freedom to practice their respective religious activities. 

She said people of diverse beliefs are living in the country together since time immemorial and performing religious rituals freely. 

"I think, religion is for individuals but festivals are for all. I believe the communal harmony will be strengthened further in the coming days," said the Premier.

She said Goddess Saraswati is the symbol of truth, justice and knowledge. 

On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, the Prime Minister urged all members of the Hindu community to devote themselves in nation building through acquiring knowledge and maintaining the religious harmony.

Saraswati Puja or Basant Panchami falls on the fifth 'Tithi' of the Bengali month of Maagh each year when Hindus worship goddess Saraswati to mark the coming of spring.

According to Hindu faith, goddess Saraswati represents power, creativity and inspiration and presents herself when the weather is pleasant and nature is in its full grandeur.

Depicted as a graceful woman with a crescent moon adorning her brow, she is shown riding a swan or a peacock, or is seated on a lotus flower.