Dhaka: Adviser to the Ministry of Home Affairs Lt. Gen. (Retd) Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury today accused fascist groups and their cohorts of conspiring to create unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) and destroy communal harmony during the Durga Puja celebrations by altering religious icons.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Home Adviser claimed that these groups attempted to incite violence by adding a beard to the face of ‘Oshur’ (demon) at various Puja Mandaps, a move seen as a deliberate provocation. The remarks were made following a Core Committee meeting on law and order at the Ministry of Home Affairs in the Bangladesh Secretariat.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury highlighted a connection between these actions and the dishonoring of the Chief Adviser in a neighboring country during the Durga Puja idol-making process. He credited the military, law enforcement agencies, and local communities for thwarting these attempts to destabilize the region.
Addressing a reported rape incident in Khagrachhari, the adviser stated that no evidence was found to support the claims, which had initially caused significant unrest in the CHT region. He praised the cooperative efforts of the Bangladesh Army, law enforcement, and local communities in managing the situation effectively.
The current situation in the region appears to be stabilizing, with the withdrawal of the blockade and section 144 in the CHT areas. The adviser accused fascist intellectuals of instigating further unrest, though their attempts reportedly failed.
The Sharodiyo Durga Puja was celebrated peacefully across the country, overcoming the challenges posed by these conspiracies. The Home Adviser expressed gratitude to the army, law enforcement, media, and the public for ensuring a safe and festive celebration.
Responding to inquiries about the incidents of altering religious idols, Jahangir reported that 793 Puja Mandaps across the country witnessed these acts. A General Diary (GD) was filed for each incident, and investigations are ongoing. Although no arrests have been made, some perpetrators have been identified.
When questioned about any connection between the dishonoring of the Holy Quran at North South University and attempts to disrupt communal harmony, the adviser refrained from commenting, noting that investigations are still underway.