Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has feared that attacks may be carried out on the Hindu community before the next parliamentary election.
Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, came up with the comment while visiting a puja mandap of Ramakrishna Mission on Sunday.
“Election will be held after 14 months. A vested quarter is always active who wants to inform India that minorities are not safe under the rule of Awami League by carrying out attacks on them. They also want to send this message to India that attacks have been carried out by the Awami League,” he said.
He also said that Sheikh Hasina's government has been in power for 13 years. There have been 13 Durga Pujas in these 13 years. This time, there are 32,000 puja mandaps.
“I would like to remind you that Durga Puja has been the target of violence only once in these 13 years. Houses of Hindu communities have been targeted. The temple has been targeted. Even their houses and shops were attacked,” said the AL leader.
Quader said: “I would like to say that 11 Durga Pujas were celebrated smoothly. However, last time some unfortunate things happened.”
Referring to the communal attacks during the last Durga Puja, he further said: "As Durga Puja had been celebrated peacefully for the last 11 years, it will be peaceful this time too.”
Assuring the Hindu community, he said law enforcers are ready across the country on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina this year.
“They are on alert. They are in a much stronger position this time. Along with them, Awami League leaders and workers are also on alert,” he added.
