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TL;DR
- Madrasa students and locals to guard temples during Durga Puja to prevent attacks, dismissing allegations of their involvement in terrorism as misinformation by the previous government
- Attacks on places of worship strongly condemned, perpetrators to face prosecution; both Hindu and Muslim homes targeted following political changes
- No plans to change the national anthem, interim government to refrain from controversial acts and maintain friendly relations with India
- Announcement comes as preparations underway for Durga Puja, the largest Hindu festival in Bangladesh, set to commence on October 20, 2024, with elaborate security measures in place
Madrasa students and local residents will guard temples during the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations to prevent any attacks or sabotage attempts, according to Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain.
Speaking at a gathering at the Rajshahi Islamic Foundation on September 7, 2024, Khalid Hossain dismissed allegations of madrasa students being involved in terrorism as a “conspiracy and misinformation” spread by the previous government.
The adviser strongly condemned attacks on places of worship, stating that those who target mosques, temples, and shrines are “enemies of humanity and criminals” who will face prosecution under existing laws. He also acknowledged that both Hindu and Muslim homes have been attacked following political changes, emphasizing that there is no room for viewing such incidents differently.
Khalid Hossain clarified that the interim government has no plans to change the national anthem and will refrain from undertaking controversial acts. He further expressed the interim government’s desire to maintain a friendly relationship with India.
The announcement comes as preparations are underway for the Durga Puja, the largest religious festival celebrated by the Hindu community in Bangladesh. The festival, which spans five days, is set to commence on October 20, 2024, with elaborate security measures being put in place to ensure peaceful celebrations across the country.
Source: TBS news
