Dhaka, Oct 19 (UNI) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to identify those responsible for the attacks on temples and homes of the Hindu community during Durga Puja celebrations and to take stern action against them as soon as possible.
Her directive came as the ruling Awami League on Tuesday was holding 'harmony rallies' and peace processions across the country against the recent spate of communal violence.
Hasina directed the Home Minister to find out the perpetrators through a fair investigation and to take stern action, Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam told reporters after the weekly Cabinet meeting today, Daily Star reported.
She presided over the meeting from her official residence Gono Bhaban.
In another move, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday urged party activists to build resistance against communal forces.
"We, along with the people of the country, will unitedly build resistance under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina," he said during the party's "harmony rally."
"Do not fear, Hindu brothers and sisters. Sheikh Hasina and Awami League are with you. Sheikh Hasina's government is a minority-friendly government," he said at the rally that started in the morning in front of the party's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka.
He said the AL will remain on the streets till the communal forces are dealt with. He said the Awami League Party leaders and workers all over the country are ready to give a proper reply to the communal forces.
Along with AL, its associated bodies and allied organisations are scheduled to hold harmony rallies and peace processions all over the country.
Leaders and workers gathered in front of the party office since morning to join the rally.
AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader announced Tuesday’s programme after an emergency meeting at his office in Dhanmondi last evening.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also president of AL, joined the meeting virtually.
During the meeting, the prime minister asked all leaders and activists of the party to resist communal forces. She also called up the people of the country to maintain communal harmony at any cost.
The AL and its associated bodies will arrange the protests at all districts, cities and upazilas, said a press release from the party.
The party leaders will also visit the various areas which came under communal attacks recently.
Bangladesh has been rocked by a spate of communal attacks on Hindu homes, temples and Durga Puja pandals following a rumour spread through social media of an alleged instance of disrespect to the holy Quran.
UNI/RN