President urges affluent to stand by the poor

President Mohammed Shahabuddin has urged the well-off people to stand beside the poor and underprivileged people.

"The auspicious journey of building a just, democratic, humane and self-reliant Bangladesh has been started… Let us take pledge to join the journey together on this auspicious occasion of Eid," he said.

The president said this in a brief speech during exchanging Eid greetings with cross section of people at Bangabhaban here today.

He greeted the countrymen and all Muslims around the world on the occasion of the holy Eid-ul-Fitr. Noting that Islam is a religion of peace and welfare, the President said human values, harmony, mutual coexistence and compassion, these great messages and ideals of Islam are very significant in the current global context.

"This year, we are celebrating Eid at a time when many parts of the world are stained with the blood of countless innocent children, women and ordinary people due to unwanted wars," he added

Shahbuddin said as human beings, it is our moral responsibility to stand together with the helpless people.

"We want war, conflict and revenge to end forever… Peace and comfort to be prevailed everywhere. Let's holy Eid gives us that lesson," he stated.

Noting that Eid is also a unique festival of social harmony, the President called upon all to share the joy of Eid with neighbours, relatives, friends and familiars.

President Shahabuddin also prayed to Almighty Allah for the happiness, peace, welfare and continuous progress of his beloved motherland Bangladesh, the Muslim Ummah and all the people of the world.

Around 10,000 distinguished personalities and people were invited to the Bangabhaban on the occasion.

President's wife Dr Rebeka Sultana and other family members and secretaries concerned, among others, accompanied the president.

Chief Justice, cabinet members, advisers to the prime minister, foreign diplomats, Supreme Court judges, academics, valiant freedom fighters, editors, senior journalists, writers, artistes, leaders of different political parties, business community leaders and high civil and military officials were invited.

The guests were entertained with different food items in a traditional manner.