Leaders of the Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad today said they had confidence in government's assurances that there would not be any unpleasant incidents surrounding this year's Durga Puja celebrations.
Addressing a press conference in the capital, Prof Chandranath Poddar, general secretary of the parishad, said, "When news of idol vandalism is circulated and publicised in various parts of the country through the media, it indicates that Durga Puja is coming. Such incidents have also occurred in the past two months. We have received news of idol vandalism in about 10 places. Even then, we do not want to harbour concerns about any potential attacks.
"The home minister and law enforcement agencies' high-ranking officials have held meetings with us. They have assured us that there will be no unpleasant incidents during this year's Puja. With confidence in them, we want to celebrate puja in a festive and safe environment.'
Reading out a written statement, he said, "Last year, there were 32,168 Durga Puja celebrations in the country. This year, the number has increased to almost 32,408 … In Dhaka city alone, there are 245 pujas, three more than last year.
"Since the current government came to power, the number of puja [celebrations] has been increasing consistently every year. It is undoubtedly joyful to see the growth in the economy and contributions from well-wishers resulting in the increase in the number of pujas. However, along with the increase in the number of pujas, it is important to consider the issue of security around the puja."
In the written speech he announced some demands to the government: rapid implementation of initiatives taken by the government for the recovery and preservation of donated properties; declaring a special security law for religious minorities declared as vulnerable during the upcoming 11th National election; forming a National Minority Commission; promptly implementing administrative measures to combat communalism and ensuring exemplary punishment through swift trials against wrongdoers; announcing a 3-day holiday during Durga Puja; the establishment of Hindu Foundation in place of Hindu Religious Welfare Trust.
JL Bhowmick, the president of the Parishad, also spoke at the press conference.
