On Janmashtami, Yunus vows to uphold coexistence

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Saturday greeted the country’s Hindu community on Janmashtami, saying Lord Krishna’s teachings will help strengthen “mutual goodwill and brotherhood” and maintain the nation’s “existing order and communal harmony”.

Hindus in Bangladesh on Saturday celebrated the festival amid tight security with the country's army, navy and air chiefs joining the main function in the capital.

Security personnel were on alert as the main celebration began at the National Dhakeswari Temple, one of the prominent shakti peethas. Thousands of Hindu men, women and children in colourful dresses joined the prayers at the temple and Palashi procession in Dhaka.

Yunus’ greetings came amid widespread concerns over repeated incidents of alleged attacks on members of the Hindu community and their places of worship after he came to power in August last year.

In a message, Yunus said that Lord Krishna’s values centred on “devotion to the creator and the establishment of peace in society” continue to inspire people of all faiths.

“I call upon everyone to remain vigilant so that no one can undermine the existing order, fraternity, and communal amity in society. I believe that the ideals and teachings of Lord Sri Krishna will further strengthen the bonds of mutual goodwill and brotherhood,” he said.

Yunus said that communal harmony is a “unique hallmark” of Bangladesh’s culture”. Janmashtami is a public holiday in Bangladesh to mark the birth celebration of Lord Krishna.