Dhaka, Aug. 16 -- Bangladesh Army chief has called for harmony among all faiths, assuring the Hindu community that they can live and celebrate their religious festivals in peace.

General Waker-Uz-Zaman made the remarks on Saturday afternoon while inaugurating the Janmashtami procession at Dhakeshwari National Temple in Dhaka, alongside the heads of the Navy and Air Force, who lit the ceremonial lamp.

"You will live in this country without fear, and you will celebrate your religious festivals with joy," he told the Hindu faithful.

Calling on all citizens to preserve interfaith unity, he said: "For centuries, Hindus and Muslims, Buddhists and Christians, hill people and Bengalis -- everyone has lived here together in peace and harmony. O...