As the Hindu community in Bangladesh celebrates Durga Puja, Adviser to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication, and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Nahid Islam, called for a peaceful and joyous celebration.
During a visit to several puja mandaps across Dhaka on Thursday, he reassured the community of the government's full support, highlighting that maximum precautionary measures have been taken to ensure a smooth festival.
"We hope you will be able to celebrate Durga Puja in an even more joyous atmosphere in the future," said Nahid Islam, addressing concerns about past and recent incidents of violence. He emphasised that Durga Puja, the biggest Hindu festival in the country, holds great significance and that the government is committed to ensuring the safety of all religious celebrations. "People of all faiths and backgrounds together make our Bangladesh," he added.
Adviser Nahid pointed out that Hindu families had often been victims of violence, looting, and injustice, with those responsible going unpunished. "Those in power at the time were involved in these attacks, which is why justice was not served. If a government cannot ensure the safety of its people, it has no right to remain in power," he remarked.
The adviser also addressed the recent attacks on Hindu religious sites that occurred after August 5, where temples were vandalized and idols destroyed. He assured that the government is actively working to bring those responsible to justice. "Those involved in the violence and vandalism will face exemplary punishment," he said, stressing that the judicial process is already underway. "We believe that if we do not set a precedent of the harshest possible punishment for such incidents, they will continue."
"There are elements who want to create division among us, who vandalize temples and destroy idols for political benefits. We must all remain vigilant," he said, adding that the government is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take strict action against such provocations.
Nahid Islam concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to maintaining religious harmony in Bangladesh and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their faith, can practice their religion freely and without fear.
During his visit, Adviser Nahid toured several prominent puja mandaps in Dhaka, including the Srijut Madan Gopal Jiu Vigraha Thakur Temple in Sutrapur, Shankhanidhi Temple in Wari, and other sites in Tikatuli and Bangshal.
