DHAKA: Amid concerns over security during Durga Puja, 40 eminent citizens of Bangladesh have urged the govt to take steps to ensure the Hindu community can celebrate its biggest festival peacefully. This year, Durga Puja is likely to be celebrated at 32,460 mandaps across Bangladesh.
“We want to believe that the govt will take measures as per its commitment,” they said in a statement issued on Saturday, and stressed that legal action should be taken against people attempting to create communal tension.They also urged citizens, irrespective of their caste and creed, to unitedly stand against miscreants trying to create communal tension. “Some groups with vested interest often try to create disharmony during the festival, carrying out subversive activities. They are trying to create communal tensions by spreading anti-minority speeches on social media,” the statement said.
The Bangladesh army has made comprehensive preparations to ensure the safety of all during Durga Puja, said chief of army staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman during his visit to the Dhakeshwari National Temple, where he reviewed security measures. The interim govt has issued a set of instructions for the local administration and law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order during the festival. A monitoring committee will be formed, including students, to ensure security at puja mandaps.
Meanwhile, the Sammilito Bhikkhu Sangha of the Chittagong Hill Tracts has announced not to celebrate the ‘kothin chibor dan’ – the main religious festival of the Buddhist community – this year citing “lack of security and uncertainty.” Parbatya Bhikkhu Sangha president Shraddhalankar Mahathera said Sunday that the festival will not be organised at any monasteries in the CHT.