Durga Puja (symbolic photo)
Dhaka: The interim government has issued a strict warning regarding the large-scale Durga Puja of Hindus in Bangladesh. Let us tell you that the interim government of Bangladesh has issued this warning to suspected miscreants today amid fears of unrest during Durga Puja. Mohammad Yunus’ government has vowed to take strict action against those who target places of worship or disrupt communal harmony during the Hindu festival. Durga Puja festival will be celebrated from October 9 to October 13.
“If anyone disturbs places of worship or troubles people, we will not spare them. We will punish them under the law and ensure peace,” religious affairs adviser Dr AFM Khaled Hossain said during a visit to the Premtali Gaurang Bari Kalimandir in Godagari in Rajshahi district. He urged members of the Hindu community to celebrate their festivals with enthusiasm and assured them that no one would be allowed to damage their temples, The Dhaka Tribune newspaper reported.
How will the temples be protected?
Hussain said, “If you fear attacks on your temples, rest assured because no criminal will succeed. We have taken the help of local people including madrasa students to protect the temples. No one will stop us from celebrating our religious festivals.” He said that the interim government wants to make Bangladesh a country free from discrimination and communalism. The minority Hindu community had to face attacks during the violence that followed the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh. Their business establishments and properties were vandalized and temples were damaged.
Hussain met government officials at Rajshahi Circuit House on Saturday and warned that anti-social elements may try to disturb communal harmony in view of Durga Puja. He also directed law enforcement officials and administration to take steps to ensure security of Puja pavilions. Last month, thousands of Hindus took out protest rallies in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka and Chittagong demanding security. (Language)
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