In his message greeting all on the occasion of the Durga Puja, President Iajuddin Ahmed said people of different communities have been living in Bangladesh peacefully for a long time. "The communal harmony is one of the glorious aspects of our national life," the president said.

"It is possible to ensure national progress and prosperity through establishing harmony and amity among people, irrespective of cast, creed and religion," he observed.

President Iajuddin said religious festivals give people the opportunity to establish communal harmony and amity and the Durga Puja teaches all to expand the bond of friendship and unity.

The president wished every success of the Durga Puja celebrations.

In another message yesterday, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia greeted members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja.

The prime minister said Bangladesh has attained world recognition setting a glaring example of communal harmony. The people of all religions here freely observe their religious rituals, she said.

"People irrespective of cast, creed and religion are tied in a bond of harmony and amity", she said, adding, "we have to uphold this tradition of communal harmony and further strengthen it."

She said the country belongs to people of all faiths and all have to work with full devotion and dedication respecting each other for the progress and prosperity of the nation.

The prime minister also wished peace, prosperity and happiness of all citizens along with the Hindu community on the occasion.

Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina in her message said the Durga Puja festival is treated warmly by all as a bridge of communal harmony, amity and friendship.

She said all citizens of Bangladesh have full freedom to practice their religious rites and hoped that the happiness of the festival will enlighten the lives of all citizens.

Meanwhile, President of Mahanagar Sarbajanin Puja Committee Swapan Kumar Saha and General Secretary Mongol Chandra Ghosh yesterday greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Durga Puja.

In a statement, they sought cooperation of the government, all political parties and people from all social strata in making the five-day festival a success.

They also prayed for the peace and progress of the country.