Dhaka, 30 September (H.S.):

The Bangladesh government has issued guidelines concerning the security of Durga Puja venues across the country. The government has instructed the relevant ministries, local administration and law enforcement agencies to take all necessary measures to ensure that the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations are held peacefully, enthusiastically and safely. Officials have also been directed to maintain communal harmony, prevent the spread of rumours and ensure prompt legal action through impartial investigations in the event of any untoward incident.

According to a report by the Dhaka Tribune, the guidelines were issued at an interministerial preparatory meeting held at the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Tuesday morning. The meeting was chaired by State Minister for Religious Affairs Mohammad Shamim Kaiser.

The state minister said the government was committed to ensuring a safe and festive environment for Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community. He also stressed the need to ensure the proper distribution of grants allocated by the Prime Minister’s Office to Puja venues across the country through the Puja Welfare Trust.

In view of the increasing number of Puja venues, he directed the local administration and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and ensure proper arrangements and security during the immersion of idols. He also called for the continuation of the long-standing practice of maintaining necessary silence during the hours of azan and prayers in order to preserve social and religious harmony.

The state minister urged people to refrain from making derogatory remarks about the deities of other religions.

He also instructed officials to promptly verify old or edited photographs and videos being used to spread rumours on social media.

The meeting was attended by Bijon Kanti Sarkar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister with the rank of state minister; Religious Affairs Secretary Munshi Alauddin Al Azad; representatives of various ministries and agencies, intelligence agencies, the Hindu-Buddhist-Christian Welfare Front, welfare trusts and the Puja Celebration Council.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar