Hindu community members and rights activists have condemned fierce protests against holding the Durga Puja on the playgrounds in Uttara-11 and Uttara-13 this year and called for religious harmony, despite the government’s assurance of providing all support for their security.
Although the army officials intervened to reach a peaceful solution, fixing one section of the Uttara Sector-13 playground for holding this year’s Durga Puja festival, there have been street protests by local people against the decision.
Major Khandker Jahidul Huq, an official of the Uttara Diabari army camp, sat with the leaders of the Mohanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee’s Uttara unit and the Uttara-11 Welfare Society, and locals on Monday.
“We have decided on the place in consultation with local people so that the Hindus can organize Durga Puja without any disturbance. I hope they can complete the rituals properly,” he told the media.
The Puja organizing committee has also expressed satisfaction over the decision.
Nitya Gopal, president of the Puja Committee’s Uttara unit, said: “The army has assured us all-out support in holding the festival peacefully. We will start preparation as soon as we get written permission.”
In the last couple of weeks, local Muslims and members of the Uttara-11 carried out processions and campaigns, against Puja celebrations in the common playground. This week, protests were also seen against the Puja festivities in Uttara-13, arguing that the field is used as an Eidgah ground.
The protesters have also hung banners and festoons on the playground’s boundary, calling for a change in the venue.
