Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Mahbub Morshed spoke at the traditional Deuli festival of the Hajong community in Netrokona today. Photo: BSS

NETROKONA, Nov 7, 2025 (BSS) - The day-long traditional Deuli Festival of the Hajong community was held with great enthusiasm in Durgapur upazila of Netrokona district, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of the ethnic group. 

The event took place on the grounds of Shyamnagar Government Primary School, organized by  Khudra Nri-Ghosthir Sangakritik Institute,   Birisiri, Netrokona. 

 Speaking as the chief guest at the festival Barrister Kayser Kamal, Legal Affairs Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and BNP nominated candidate for Durgapur–Kalmakanda constituency in the upcoming national elections, described the region as a “beautiful garden” of diverse communities.

“Just as a garden has different types of flowers, here Hindus, Muslims, Garos, and Hajongs-each is a flower. I want to be the gardener of this blooming garden and work for its development. I am not just talking — I promise to act as a true gardener for the betterment of this region,” said Kayser Kamal, who is also Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Lawyers Forum. 

He also recalled the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman in establishing a Cultural Academy to strengthen cultural bonds among all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity. 

Kamal stressed the importance of improving agriculture, education, and establishing factories to uplift the living standards of the Hajong community and the people of Durgapur and Kalmakanda.

Speaking as the special guest at the event, Managing Director and Chief Editor of the BSS Mahbub Morshed emphasized that since the August 5 Mass Uprising, the current government has been celebrating festivals like Deuli across the country, cutting across religious and communal lines.

“There is no politicization in these festivals,” he said. 

“Everyone is now able to celebrate their own traditions freely. This is a big achievement for us after August 5. We can celebrate our events, religious and cultural festivals without political interference. Future governments should also uphold this trend, allowing the colors of our multicultural nation to flourish,” he continued. 

Addressing Barrister Kayser Kamal, the prospective MP of Durgapur, Morshed expressed the hope that if elected, he would create scope to flourish both the Hajong and Mandi festivals. 

He also highlighted the immense potential of the Durgapur region, rich with the Someshwari River and the Garo Hills, noting its historical significance from the anti-British and anti-Pakistan movements to the present day.

 “This region has enormous agricultural and tourism potential,” he said, adding, “These opportunities can increase manifold in the future.”

The event was inaugurated by community leader Motilal Hajong and chaired by poet Parag Richile, Director of Khudra Nri-Ghosthir Sangakritik Institute.

Among others present were Durgapur Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Md. Mizanur Rahman, distinguished educationist Advocate M.A. Jinnah, cultural activist Abdullah Al Mamun Mukul, Sandhya Rani Hajong, executive council member of Khudra Nri-Ghosthir Sangakritik Institute, Paltan Hajong, president of the Bangladesh National Hajong Organization, and Pratini Sajal Hajong of Shyamnagar village.

The festival concluded with a colorful traditional cultural programme of the Hajong community, featuring performances that depicted the killing of Mahishasura, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.