The people of Bangladesh have learnt to move forward upholding its non-communal spirit, and it is a big achievement for the country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said yesterday.

“We always say religions are for individuals, but festivals are for all. We celebrate our festivals together,” she said.

Hasina came up with the remarks while visiting Ramkrishna Mission in the city on the occasion of Durga Puja, the largest festival of the Hindu community.

Responding to the call of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, people irrespective of their religions fought shoulder to shoulder and liberated the country sacrificing their blood, she said.

“So, we always wanted that the people from all religions to perform rituals of their respective religions independently with dignity in this independent Bangladesh. And we’ve been able to create such an environment,” said the PM.

Hasina said people irrespective of their religion, caste and creed celebrate Pahela Baishakh and Bangla Nababarsha and the government also provides Pahela Baishakh allowance.

People respect the religion of each other here, she said.

The government wants to contain social diseases like terrorism, militancy, drugs and corruption so that those cannot destroy families, the society and the country.

Principal of Ramkrishna Math and Secretary of Ramkrishna Mission Swami Purnamtananda Maharaj delivered the welcome address.