Hindu Mohajote seeks minority security, religious neutrality in electioneering

Leaders of the Bangladesh Jatiya Hindu Mohajote, an alliance of Hindu religious organisations, today (6 November) submitted a seven-point demand to the Election Commission (EC).

They urged the commission to ensure full security for minority communities and prevent the use of religion in election campaigns ahead of the parliamentary elections.

"We raised our seven demands, including ensuring 100% security for the minority community during the polls," said Hindu Mahajote Executive Secretary Palash Kanti Dey while talking to reporters after a meeting with Chief Election Commissioner AMM Nasir Uddin at Nirbachan Bhaban in the capital, reports UNB.

He said the CEC discussed their concerns cordially. "He (CEC) has assured that 100% security will be ensured. He told us that you, everyone, should go to the polling stations. We also assured him that we want to exercise our civic rights."

Palash said they drew the CEC's attention to possible incidents of attacks on temples and houses of minorities during the election and asked him that such incidents must not happen this time.

"The CEC assured us that no one will be able to torture you this time. They'll take strict measures against any such attempt."

Expressing deep concern over possible unrest, Palash said, "Our fears are not unfounded. We remain worried mainly during two times—Durga Puja and elections. Elections have never been a comfortable time for the Hindu community."

"Attacks on minorities before and after local government and parliamentary polls, during every regime, have become a regular occurrence. But the commission said offenders will not be spared this time," he added.

He said the CEC assured them that members of the minority community will go to polling stations and return home safely.

"If any deviation occurs, the EC will take strong action. Law enforcement will act decisively if anyone tries to intimidate minority voters or attack their establishments," Palash said, quoting the CEC as saying.

The seven demands placed by the Hindu community leaders include - tightening security for the residences, temples, and Moths of minority communities from 10 days before to 10 days after the election; preventing political campaigns and rallies at religious establishments; checking the use of religion in election campaign; and formation of a central monitoring cell to ensure the safety of minority and female voters.

Their other demands are to suspend the voting in the constituencies where attacks will occur, followed by investigation and action; deployment of the army during the election; and ensuring an environment for smooth movement for voters to and from polling stations.