Hotline to be set up for attacks on minorities: Khalid
Published : Tuesday, 13 August, 2024 at 12:00 AM Count : 119
AFM Khalid Hossain, the religious affairs adviser, has said that some criminals are trying to take advantage of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement by attacking the homes of minorities.
The adviser said that the religious affairs ministry will set up a hotline number for the victims of such attacks.
His statement came during a press briefing after meeting with the officials from his ministry on Monday.
"Those who are involved in these heinous attacks on places of worship are criminals. Strict action will be taken against them and they will be brought to book," said Khalid.
"We will make an announcement from the ministry to set up the hotline today. If a place of worship or someone's house or property is being attacked anywhere in Bangladesh, they can call the hotline. We will contact the home ministry and initiate immediate action."
Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, there have been several reports of attacks on minorities, especially Hindu households, places of worship and businesses in the international media.
Hindus have been demonstrating in several parts of the country, including Dhaka and Chattogram, to protest against the attacks.
European Union countries have also expressed their concerns over the attacks on minorities.
Khalid also said: "We got our country back after a great liberation war. People of all religions participated, sacrificed, and shed their blood for this liberation. We cannot let it go to waste. It is a secular country, and we have to nurture this spirit."
While giving assurances of standing by minority communities, the advisor said: "We want to ensure communal harmony in Bangladesh. We have been fasting and praying together for a long time now, and there is no communal violence here. Although there may be some isolated incidents."
"Our government is careful to retain communal harmony within the country. We have issued a letter from the religious affairs ministry to various mosques in Bangladesh."
"There, we have directed imams to talk about the rights of non-Muslims and to push for preserving their places of worship during their sermons. We have asked the imams to give motivational speeches to protect property and places of worship. The work has already begun."
He added: "Since the beginning of this movement, you have noticed that the madrasa students and students and teachers of other institutions are guarding these places of worship. I have seen them guarding places of worship, including in Cox's Bazar." —bdnews24.com
