The president made the remarks at an event on Monday commemorating Janmasthami, the Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.
“The Bangalee people are made up of Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and Christians,” said Hamid as he greeted Hindu leaders at the Bangabhaban. “So we must all work to ensure that no nefarious powers divide us using religion as an excuse.”
“The major concern of all religions is the welfare of people and we must be vigilant against those who would preach falsely,” he said.
The teachings of Krishna call for an end to injustice, repression and violence and the development of communal love and harmony, the president said.
“The majesty of Krishna is reflected in the destruction of wickedness and misery and the protection of goodness and tradition.”
The president met with leaders and members of Bangladesh’s Hindu community during the Janmasthami event.
Religious Affairs Minister Prof Md Matiur Rahman, leaders from the Hindu Religious Kalyan Trust and
the Bangladesh Pooja Organisation Council, Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, Indian High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla and Nepalese Ambassador Prof Dr Chop Lal Bhusal were in attendance at the event.