Bangladesh Calls for Religious Harmony Amid Violence Against Minorities

The Religious Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh's interim government asserts that fasting and puja can coexist peacefully. Despite violence against minorities after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government, he emphasizes religious harmony and rights. He urges cooperation to maintain law and order amidst the unrest.

The Religious Affairs Adviser of the interim government in Bangladesh has stated that there is no issue with observing fasting and puja concurrently, calling for a harmonious state where all faiths coexist peacefully.

After the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, there have been numerous violent incidents targeting Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian communities. The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance reported attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts. Several temples, homes, and businesses of minorities were destroyed amidst student-led protests against government job quotas.

Many Bangladeshi Hindus are fleeing to India to escape the violence. Speaking before Jumma prayers at Hazrat Usman Jame Masjid in Chattogram, Religious Affairs Adviser Dr. A.F.M. Khalid Hossain emphasized religious harmony. ''Bangladesh is a country of communal harmony. There is no problem in observing both fasting and puja. Everyone has the right to practice their religion freely,'' he stated.

Hossain condemned the attacks and vandalism of minority worship places and homes, blaming miscreants for trying to destroy communal harmony. He called for stern action against those spreading propaganda and sought cooperation to maintain law and order in Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies.)