Eid is a time for reconciliation and progress through unity, says Yunus

“The essence of Eid is reconciliation -- to leave the past behind and move forward together,” he says

Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has urged the people of Bangladesh to embrace the true spirit of Eid and unite to ensure peace in the country.

He made the call on Monday while exchanging Eid greetings with people from various walks of life, including politicians, diplomats, and professionals, at his office in Tejgaon.

“The essence of Eid is reconciliation -- to leave the past behind and move forward together,” said the head of the interim government.

The event was held on the lawn of the Chief Advisor’s Office. Yunus, accompanied by members of his advisory council and his daughter Deena Afroz Yunus, greeted guests individually and posed for photos before delivering a short speech on stage.

Seated to his left were Finance Advisor Salehuddin Ahmed, Planning Advisor Wahiduddin Mahmud, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman, Law Advisor Asif Nazrul, and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convenor Nahid Islam. To his right sat his daughter and Environment Advisor Syeda Rizwana Hasan.

In his speech, Yunus said: “Today is Eid. We are all gathered here, and it brings me great joy. It’s not always easy for me to meet so many people, but today I am grateful for this opportunity to see you all at this grand celebration.”

Reflecting on the meaning of Eid, he added: “The fact that our religion has given us such a day is a great blessing. It's not just any day -- it’s a day when we embrace one another. That's what our religion teaches us -- to embrace and accept others. Today is a day of inclusion.”

He stressed the importance of holding on to this message and said, “Let us bridge the distances between us. That is the only way for a society to thrive. Let us take that message to heart and move forward with unity.”

Calling this year’s Eid especially significant, he added: “This Eid is crucial because it gives us a chance to come closer, overcome divisions, and build unity among the people and the nation.”

“Unity is vital right now. May we achieve it. Let today’s celebration carry that message forward. Let us be tolerant of one another -- not just tolerant, but truly build friendships. That’s how peace is established in society. And peace is essential for Bangladesh.”

He urged everyone to harbour the aspiration for peace in their hearts. “Let us remember this every day -- not just today. We want peace in our country, where people can live freely and without fear. We must wish each other well. The nation wants peace -- and we want peace for the entire world.”

Turning to the diplomats in attendance, Yunus addressed them in English, explaining that his earlier message in Bangla was all about uniting people to overcome divisions.

He called the present moment “one of the most important in Bangladesh’s history” and sought support to help drive the country towards a bright future through unity.