Dhaka: Urging all to stand by helpless and destitute people along with following religious customs, President Abdul Hamid on Saturday stressed the need for taking a united effort to prevent religious extremism in the country.

‘Today, religious extremism is a threat to global peace. No religion supports terrorism, militancy and extremism. Extremism creates intolerance and hampers social discipline,’ he said while talking to media people during a reception at Bangabhaban here reports the UNB.

The President hosted the reception for the members of the Hindu community on the occasion of Durga Puja. Abdul Hamid and his wife Rashida Khanom also exchanged greetings with the guests.

Hamid said humanity is the universal message of religions while a religion drives people towards welfare and keeps them away from untruth and injustice.

‘So, we should come forward for the welfare of humanity apart from following the religious customs and rules. We should stand by helpless and destitute people,’ he said.

Mentioning that communal harmony is the tradition of the people of Bangladesh, the President said this tradition must continue.

Durga Puja festival is derived from the depth of the tradition and culture of the Bengal, he said adding that Durga Puja is playing an important role in building mutual sympathy and unity among the country’s people.

Hindu religious personalities and members of various puja committees joined the reception.

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha and State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Sikder were also present.