President M Abdul Hamid today urged all to come forward to prevent religious fanaticism and stand by the destitute and hapless people as per religious instructions. 

"Religious fanaticism is a threat to the global peace at present. All must come forward unitedly to prevent it," he said while hosting a reception at Bangabhaban in Dhaka on the occasion of Durga Puja, the greatest religious festival of the Hindu community. 

Noting that no religion supports terrorism, militancy and extremism, the president said religious extremism begets intolerance and hinders social discipline.

But humanity is the eternal message of religions, he added.

Abdul Hamid said the religion leads draws people towards justice and welfare, keeps away from misdeeds as well as untruth and shows the path of emancipation of the humanity.

Mentioning the existing communal harmony as part of the universal customs of the Bengalis, the president said this tradition must continue through combined efforts for the country's overall advancement.

President Abdul Hamid and his spouse Rashida Khanom exchanged greetings with the guests at the reception at the presidential palace.

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha, State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Sikder, a number of members of parliament, foreign diplomats, political leaders, editors, journalist leaders, senior civil and military officers, Hindu community leaders and distinguished citizens joined the reception.