Dhaka, Oct. 17 -- President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued "messages of harmony" on the day the formalities of Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival for Bangladeshi Hindus, began.

They emphasised the importance of creating a "safe environment" for all citizens of the country to practice their respective religious rituals and ceremonies. They also reiterated their commitment to ensuring such an environment.

The heads of state and government made the remarks in separate messages, where they extended heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all Hindus in Bangladesh and abroad on Friday.

The main formalities of this year's Durga Puja began this morning with the Kalparambha and Bihit Puja in...