The Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission (CHTC) has expressed grave concern over the vandalization of a Buddha statue in Khagrachhari two days ago.
In a statement, it demanded the immediate arrest of the perpetrators, plus the formation of an independent and neutral committee to probe the attack.
“The Constitution ensures the equal status of, and rights to practice, all religions; but this barbaric incident proves that the right has not been ensured yet,” said the statement.
A group of unidentified miscreants vandalized the Buddha statue in the district’s Guimara upazila early on Tuesday.
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The statue was in a temple built by Buddhists in the Kukichhara area, of Halfchhari union, in June last year.
The commission also demanded the statue be restored.
The attack was carried out a day ahead of the Buddhist festival of Probarona Purnima.
The commission urged law enforcement and the local administration to provide security for the Buddhist community so that they can celebrate all their festivals.