BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia today urged people regardless of their creed and colour to remain alert so that no one can carry out any evil act against the country's religious harmony.

In a message issued on the occasion of Durga Puja, Khaleda said, "Bangladesh is a country of religious harmony. Everyone irrespective of their religion and race will have to remain alert against any evil act."

The BNP chief greeted the Hindu community members on the occasion of the Durga Puja. "I wish them peace, happiness and welfare."

Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of Hindus, began today with the incarnation (Bodhon) of the Goddess Durga at temples across the country amid tight security measures.

Khaleda said her party is committed to protecting the religious freedom of every citizen of the country. "We don't believe in (religious) minority and majority theory. We all are Bangladeshis and it's our biggest identity," she observed.

The BNP chief said any religious festival makes ties among people stronger and awaken their spirit of brotherhood. "The main message of all the religions is peace and welfare of human being. It's the duty of all of us to devote ourselves towards establishing peace and parity in society shunning jealousy, conflict and bloodletting."