(BSS) - BNP Secretary General and LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today said the religious and social festivals of various ethnic groups are integral parts of the country`s national celebrations.

"The people of the hill tracts, along with Bengali-speaking citizens, are an inseparable part of Bangladesh`s national identity," he said.

Fakhrul made the remarks marking the major social festivals of different ethnic groups in the hill tracts -- Biju, Sangrai, Boisuk, Bisu and Bihu as well as the Bangla Nababarsha.

In a message, the veteran BNP leader said, "I extend my heartfelt greetings to all communities on this occasion. The traditions, customs and culture of the hill ethnic communities are deeply connected with our national history and heritage."

He added that these festivals are important elements of the cultural activities of the hill communities. Their rich and diverse cultural expressions have added extraordinary colour and diversity to our national heritage.

The Minister said, "Communal harmony is rooted at the core of our national culture. The spirit of human connection and solidarity springs from our soil."