Bangladesh’s interim government on Sunday warned miscreants amid concerns of possible unrest during Durga Puja. The government has called for strict action against those who disrupt communal harmony or target places of worship during the Hindu festival. Durga Puja will be celebrated from 9 to 13 October.
“If anyone disturbs people at places of worship, we will not spare them. We will take legal action against them and ensure peace,” religious affairs adviser Dr AFM Khaled Hossain said during a visit to the Premtali Gaurang Bari Kalimandir in Godagri, Rajshahi district. He urged members of the Hindu community to celebrate their festivals with zeal and religious fervour and assured them that no one would be allowed to damage their temples, according to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper.
‘Madrasa students will guard the temples’
Dr AFM Khaled Hossain said, ‘If you fear attacks on your temples, rest assured that no criminal will succeed. We have deployed local people, including madrasa students, to guard the temples. No one will stop us from celebrating our religious festivals.’ He stressed that the interim government wants to make Bangladesh a state free from discrimination and communalism.
During the violence that erupted after the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minority Hindu population and their businesses and properties were vandalised and attempts were made to damage temples. Hussain met government officials at the Rajshahi Circuit House on Saturday and warned that miscreants may try to disrupt communal harmony ahead of Durga Puja.
“We must collectively oppose such attempts,” he said, suggesting that madrasa students could be engaged as volunteers to help protect temples during the festival.
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