Information Affair Secretary of BNP's National Executive Committee (NEC) Azizul Bari Helal spoke at BRDB auditorium in Kazdia of Rupsa upazila on Thursday. Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Sept 26, 2025 (BSS) -Information Affair Secretary of BNP's National Executive Committee (NEC) Azizul Bari Helal has urged that the Sharadiya Durga Puja be transformed from a purely religious celebration into a festival of social harmony and togetherness.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a views-exchange meeting, organized by Puja Ujjapan Parishad(PUP) and Puja Ujjapan Front (PUF), at BRDB auditorium in Kazdia of Rupsa upazila on Thursday afternoon.

Helal said, "Durga Puja should not remain confined to rituals. It must become a fair of unity and harmony. Everyone should greet one another in acceptable language and join the festivities."

He laid emphasize the principle of "truth prevailing over falsehood" and called for a peaceful environment during the celebrations. Stressing on strict measures against disorder, he said law enforcement must act firmly against any untoward incident, while political activists should rely on administration rather than taking law into their own hands.

On temple development, Helal assured BNP's support for maintaining and upgrading local temples and even proposed the establishment of a central temple in the area.

Highlighting the role of religion in moral development, he added, "Religious scriptures teach us to refrain from theft, lies, and immoral acts. Practicing religion contributes to the ethical progress of society."

Rupsa upazila Puja Ujjapan Front president Raju Das presided over the meeting. 

Hindu Religious Welfare Trust trustee Satyananda Dutta, Khulna City PUF president Dr Pradip Debnath, Khulna district labor party president Ujjal Kumar Saha, Rupsa upazila BNP senior vice-president Bikas Mitra, and Arya Dharmasabha temple general secretary Samar Kundu, addressed as special guests.

PUP president Shaktipada Basu delivered the welcome speech, while the event was conducted by PUP general secretary Krishna Gopal Sen and PUF general secretary Tapan Kumar Das.