'Arrest those involved in vandalising idols’

Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil speaks at a press conference of 14-party at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

They also demanded immediate arrest of and exemplary punishment to the persons responsible for the incidents.

In a statement, Awami League General Secretary Abdul Jalil said the BNP-Jamaat alliance government has been patronising the evil forces trying to destroy the communal harmony in the country.

He called on the government to ensure security for the Hindu community so that they can celebrate the Durga Puja festival without hindrance.

Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal (BSD) also expressed deep concern over such attacks on puja mandaps.

These are not isolated incidents under the present regime as the BNP-Jamaat government has been carrying out attacks on the minorities since its takeover in 2001, said BSD central committee member Abdullah Sarkar in a statement.

In another statement, Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad said the attacks made Hindus feel insecure at a time when they are celebrating their biggest religious festival.

For the greater national interest, the countrymen, irrespective of caste and religion, should unite against the evil forces involved in such attacks, the Parishad leaders said.

Bangladesh Hindu-Bouddha-Christian Oikya Parishad, Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Parishad, Bangladesh Jubo Union and Prithak Nirbachan Bastabayan Parishad also condemned the attacks.