Prof. Dr. Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder, Primary and Mass Education Adviser, spoke at the Janmashtami Festival 2025 discussion and award ceremony held at Dhakeshwari National Temple held on Tuesday. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Aug 20, 2025 (BSS) - Primary and Mass Education Adviser Professor Dr Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder has said the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna teaches us to work together for prosperity, rising above all religious differences.

"The birth anniversary of Lord Krishna teaches us two important lessons: unity and awakening of self-power," he said.

He made the remarks while addressing as chief guest a discussion and award distribution ceremony organized on the occasion of Janmashtami Festival 2025 at Dhakeshwari National Temple here on Tuesday. 

The Adviser called upon all to work in unison for the welfare of the country and its people, setting aside differences on the occasion of Janmashtami.

"Forgetting religious differences, working together, and being devoted to one's duties are the ways to express our true devotion to Lord Krishna," he added.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali delivered the welcome address at the discussion.

He said, "Cooperation and sympathy of all, regardless of religion and caste, is the key to our harmony." 

The DMP Commissioner also informed that maximum security measures were taken to ensure smooth observance of the Janmashtami festival procession and other activities.

"In this subcontinent, people of different religions have been celebrating festivals together for centuries while upholding the tradition of harmony," he added.

Hindu Dharmiyo Kalyan Trust Vice Chairman Tapan Majumder attended the programme as special guest.

The meeting was presided over by Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee President Jayanta Kumar Deb.

Members of the Metropolitan Sarbojanin Puja Committee and Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad were also present.

Prizes were distributed among the winners of painting and Gitapath competitions at the event.