Source: sify.com
BANGLADESH, September 2, 2010: Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated Wednesday across Muslim-majority Bangladesh. The day’s programmes include worship of Lord Krishna, puja, Gita Jagna, kirtan, discussions and peace processions. The day is a public holiday in the country. Bangladesh has the third largest population of Hindus, who constitute less than 10 percent of the 156 million people.
President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the minority Hindu community on the occasion.
The festival, however, coincides with Ramadan, the holy month of the Muslims. Home Minister Sahera Khatun had earlier requested the Hindus to complete their festivities by 5 p.m., in time for the breaking of fast by the Muslims, a statement that had been criticized by the country’s media as discriminatory.