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No members of the Hindu community felt unsafe during this year’s Durga Puja, which was celebrated across Bangladesh in a festive atmosphere, said Milton Baidya, general secretary of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Front (BPUF).
“Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully across the country without any untoward incidents, setting a unique example in Bangladesh’s political and social history. No Hindu felt unsafe during this year’s celebrations,” he said.
He made the remarks at a press conference organised by Puja Udjapan Front at the Jahanara Imam Hall of the National Press Club on Sunday morning (October 25).
In his written statement, Milton said those who had previously claimed to be the “best friends” of the Hindu community had limited their support to words. The current BNP government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he said, had demonstrated their commitment through action.
He said the prime minister’s statement, “Religion is personal, but the state belongs to everyone; everyone has the right to security,” was not merely a political promise but one that had been put into practice.
Milton said the government had nearly doubled the financial assistance expected by the Hindu community for the festival. It had also extended the holiday period more than ever before, allowing people to enjoy five days off and spend more time celebrating with their families.
He further said that while previous heads of government had visited puja mandaps in Dhaka, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had visited several venues across the country. His personal outreach to members of the Hindu community, exchanging greetings and enquiring about their well-being, had helped unite the nation, Milton added.
On security arrangements, he said the government had established a three-tier security system during the festival. Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Ansar and other forces jointly implemented extensive security measures nationwide.
CCTV cameras and strict intelligence surveillance enabled worshippers to celebrate peacefully and without fear, he said. He also praised the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards misinformation and religious provocation before and after the festival, saying it had restored confidence among ordinary citizens and members of the Hindu community.
