Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum on Thursday reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong tradition of communal harmony, stating that no force can destroy the spirit of unity among its people.

“No one can destroy communal harmony in Bangladesh. Humanity and service are honoured just like religion. It’s important that we all uphold this spirit from our respective positions,” she said.

Adviser Nurjahan made these remarks during a visit to a Durga Puja mandap on Kamal Ataturk Avenue in the capital’s Banani area.

She noted that Durga Puja, one of the major religious festivals of the Hindu community, was being celebrated across the country with enthusiasm and festivity.

“Today is Bijoya Dashami. Over the past few days, Puja was celebrated in a joyful and peaceful environment nationwide,” she said.

During the visit, Puja organisers urged the government to allocate a permanent space in the Gulshan-Banani area for performing Puja and other religious activities.

Also present at the event were Prof Dr Md Abu Zafar, Director General of Directorate General of Health Services and Prof Dr Nazmul Hossain, Director General of Directorate General of Medical Education Division, according to a release from the Press Information Department (PID).