‘Temple attackers’ goal is to turn Bangladesh into a communal state’

‘Temple attackers’ goal is to turn Bangladesh into a communal state’

The goal of those carrying out vandalism and attacks on the Durga Puja venues and Hindu temples is to drive the religious minorities out of Bangladesh and turn the country into a communal state, says Advocate Rana Dasgupta.

There is no reason to dismiss these as isolated incidents, Dasgupta, the general secretary of Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, said during a media call at Chittagong Press Club on Saturday.

Dasgupta’s remarks come amid a series of attacks and vandalism on puja venues reported from across the country over the past few days.

All of this was planned and the main goal is to drive the religious minorities out of the country and turn it into a communal state, he said.

Strongly condemning the attacks, he demanded that the perpetrators be brought to justice immediately.

Dasgupta said that because the Durga Puja had not been held on a large scale due to Covid-19, it was hoped that this year's puja would become a gathering of all religions and castes.

"But all the joy faded on the day of Maha Ashtami because of the attacks," he added.

To protest against the incidents, a mass hunger strike and demonstrations have been announced for October 23 from 6am to 12 noon.

The demonstrations will be held at the Shahbagh Chattar in Dhaka and Andarkilla Chattar in Chittagong.