Instructions given to repair Chandranath Temple stairs: Shafiqul Alam

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam today (27 August) said authorities concerned, including the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have been instructed to take steps for repairing the stairs of the Chandranath Temple, a pilgrimage site for the Hindu community, at Sitakunda in Chattogram.

"The stairs leading to the Chandranath Temple have become very old. Many Hindu devotees visit the temple every day. Therefore, the government will extend all necessary cooperation for repairing the staircases," he said at a press conference at the railways ministry.

Shafiqul Alam said a meeting was held today at the Rail Bhaban in coordination with three advisers, as the LGRD secretary has been instructed to take immediate measures for the development of the Chandranath Temple.

Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Fouzul Kabir Khan, Primary and Mass Education Adviser Prof Bidhan Ranjan Roy Podder and Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain attended the meeting.

Prior to the three advisers' meeting, the press secretary said a delegation representing the temple met the road, transport and bridges adviser.

Shafiqul Alam said the government has asked concerned authorities, including the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in Chattogram, to take necessary steps with caution so that no untoward incident can take place cantering the temple.

"Any attempt by any clique to cause untoward incidents will be dealt with iron hands. No one will be spared for creating any disorder. The concerned administrations have been informed about the government's stern stance," he said.

Shafiqul Alam also said that in the presence of the three advisers, Bangladesh Railway has permanently allocated land in Khilkhet for the construction of Shri Shri Durga Temple and two mosques.

The deeds of the land allocation were formally handed over to the respective temple and mosque authorities.