Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain has issued a stern warning, stating that any disturbances at places of worship will be dealt strictly.
“If anyone disrupts or harasses people at worship halls, we will not spare them. We will bring them under the law and ensure peace,” he said on Sunday during a visit to the Prematli Gaurang Bari Kalimandir in Godagari Upazila, Rajshahi.
Speaking as the chief guest at a relief distribution event for the underprivileged, the adviser urged members of the Sanatan community in the Rajshahi division to celebrate their festivals with enthusiasm and religious fervour.
He assured them that no one would be allowed to harm their temples.
“If you fear attacks on your temples, be assured that no criminals will succeed. We have engaged local people, including madrasa students, to take turns guarding the temples. No one will stop us from celebrating our religious festivals,” he added.
Dr Khalid Hossain also spoke about the management of Sri Krishna’s temple in Mathura, India, where those who serve the temple are provided with food and medical care.
He encouraged the Sri Krishna temple trustees to adopt similar humanitarian initiatives.
“In addition to religious practice, arrangements for food and medical treatment for the needy should be made,” he suggested.
Reaffirming his commitment, he said: “We stand by you, and you will stand by us. We want to transform this country into a state free of discrimination and sectarianism. Strengthen our hands in this cause.”
Earlier, on Saturday evening at Rajshahi Circuit House, the adviser met with government officials and reiterated that people of all religions have long lived in harmony in Bangladesh.
“There have been a few isolated incidents by miscreants, but these never escalated to a communal level. Remember, rogues have no religion,” he said.
He also warned that miscreants might attempt to disrupt communal harmony ahead of Durga Puja. “We must collectively resist such efforts,” he urged, suggesting that madrasa students could be engaged as volunteers to help safeguard temples during the festival.
He also instructed law enforcement and the administration to take measures to secure puja mandaps.
Addressing issues with model mosques, the adviser noted that the locations were not always chosen wisely. “In many places, model mosques were built next to old, traditional ones, leading to unnecessary expenditure. We must protect communal harmony and use our resources wisely,” he said.
The Rajshahi Metropolitan Police and the administration confirmed that security has been ensured ahead of Durga Puja.
