Home adviser's remarks on action against Durga Puja idol makers may incite communal violence: Minority rights body
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has expressed deep concern over a recent statement by the home adviser announcing legal action against artists, priests, and organisers involved in the making of idols for 793 Durga Puja pavilions across different regions of the country, allegedly on grounds of "hurting religious sentiments."
In a statement on Tuesday (7 October), the council mentioned the announcement, made on 5 October, was followed by the filing of general diaries (GDs) at several police stations and the initiation of investigations, developments that have further heightened their concern.
On 5 October, Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General (retd) Jahangir Alam Chowdhury alleged that in 793 Puja mandaps across the country, "beards" were placed on the face of the Asur (demon) idol in an attempt to provoke communal tension, and that investigations were ongoing.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"Fascist accomplices are fueling the conspiracy to create unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts by spreading rape allegations, and to disrupt communal harmony by placing a beard on the face of the Asur [demon] in Durga Puja mandaps. The conspiracy has become evident," he said.
"The recent incident of our chief adviser being portrayed in an objectionable manner in a Durga Puja idol in a neighbouring country appears to have connection to this," he added.
In its statement, the council noted that "such remarks and actions by the present government could encourage the ongoing communal violence perpetrated by sectarian forces against the country's minority communities."
The statement added that these measures "could also lead to further harassment and persecution of minority populations."
The council noted that in a non-communal Bangladesh, artisans involved in idol-making have for decades traditionally used various forms and symbols to represent evil forces, this year being no exception.
It further observed that prior to the beginning of this year's Durga Puja, the home adviser's statement "provided an opportunity for those involved in violence against minorities to use his words as justification for their actions."Several human rights organisations had also protested the adviser's remarks at that time, the release mentioned.
Calling upon the interim government and all relevant authorities to refrain from "using the law as a tool of oppression by labeling minorities with special accusations," the Unity Council urged secular, liberal, and humanitarian social forces across the country to raise their voices against such tendencies.
The statement was signed by Monindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council.
