The rate of persecution against minority communities is the lowest under the current government, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said as he met a delegation from the Bangladesh Puja Celebration Council.
The eight-member delegation, led by Council President Basudeb Dhar and General Secretary Santosh Sharma, paid a courtesy call on the minister at the Bangladesh Secretariat on Monday. Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Bijon Kanti Sarkar was also present.
Detailed discussions were held on maintaining communal harmony, ensuring minority security, law and order during the upcoming Sharadiya Durga Puja, and various demands of the Hindu community, including the Vested Property Act.
The home minister said the current government firmly believes in communal harmony and universal rights. He strongly criticised the unfortunate incidents of minority persecution during the previous Awami League government’s tenure in Ramu, Nasirnagar, Cumilla, and elsewhere.
“The rate of persecution against minority communities during the current government’s tenure is the lowest. Even if a few isolated incidents occur, the administration has taken immediate and strict legal action,” he said.
The Puja Council leaders demanded the appointment of a “focal point” officer to immediately inform the Home Ministry of any untoward incident affecting minorities. The minister assured them the demand would be considered with empathy and implemented soon.
The discussions also touched on the construction of a Ram temple in Palashbari, Gaibandha, and remarks against national sovereignty by Advocate Chaitali Chakraborty.
“We believe in social, political, and religious harmony. The government is giving the highest priority to the security and protection of minority communities. However, all communities must play a responsible role in this regard,” the minister said.
He added that everyone must refrain from any statement or activity that hurts religious sentiments and called on all parties to behave responsibly to maintain peace, stability, and religious harmony.
