Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) and lawmaker from Natore-2 constituency Advocate Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu joined Janmashtami rally in Natore, calling for religious harmony and peace. Photo : BSS

NATORE, Sept 4, 2026 (BSS) - Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) and lawmaker from Natore-2 constituency Advocate Ruhul Quddus Talukder Dulu today said the government wants to build a discrimination-free and peaceful country where people of all religions can live together in harmony.

"Religion belongs to individuals, but Bangladesh belongs to all," he said.

The whip made the remarks while addressing a pre-procession gathering as the chief guest at Shyamsundar Temple premises in the district town this afternoon, marking the Janmashtami, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of 
Lord Krishna.

Dulu said Lord Krishna appeared on earth to establish peace and uphold justice against injustice. "His main teachings were to suppress evil and protect the virtuous," he said.

"We have gathered here today with a common goal-to establish peace," Dulu said.

He expressed hope that the Hindu community and people of Bangladesh would uphold the ideals of Lord Krishna and play an effective role in ensuring peace and democracy and protecting the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh.

Dulu also recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, while founding the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), spoke of Bangladeshi nationalism.

"His goal was to build a Bangladesh free from religious differences, divisions and discrimination," he added.

Police Superintendent Mohammad Shariful Haque, Additional Police Superintendent Uday Kumar Saha, district BNP joint convener Mostafizur Rahman Shahin, district Jubo Dal President A Hai Talukder Dalim and Natore district unit Puja Udjapan Parishad General Secretary Prasad Kumar Talukder, among others, were present at the programme.