Foreign Minister Dr. Hassan Mahmud said that rejection of communalism is the fundamental driving force of our nation and Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebration signifies this secular spirit.
He said this while speaking at the "Pohela Boishakh 1431 Celebration" organized by the Foreign Service Academy and the Foreign Office Spouses Association on Bailey Road in the capital on Friday evening.
The Foreign Minister said under the leadership of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh was born through the Liberation War of 1971, breaking away from the communal state system of the then Pakistan.
And, he added, under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Pohela Boishakh celebration, transcending religious and caste boundaries, has become a symbol of secularism for them today.
"During the War of Independence, the Awami League, as the leading force, believed our first identity is Bengali, and our second identity is our religion. And under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, everyone celebrates every festival irrespective of their religion,” Hasan said.
That is why in Bangladesh, people of all religions come together in unity during Eid, Puja, and other celebrations, he added.
Former Foreign Minister and Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs Dr AK Abdul Momen and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also spoke.
Former State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and diplomats stationed in Dhaka were present at the function. A cultural function was also held.
