BNP senior leader Salahuddin Ahmed on Sunday alleged that conspiracies are being hatched to destroy Bangladesh’s communal harmony in a bid to obstruct the upcoming national election.
“In the present context, we are observing that some quarters are plotting in different ways to destroy communal harmony in the country,” he said.
Salahuddin, a BNP Standing Committee member, made the remarks after a meeting with leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad and Mahanagar Sarbojanin Puja Committee ahead of the Durga Puja festival at the Dhakeshwari National Temple in the capital.
He also said that even within religious communities, attempts are being made to create unrest and damage religious harmony.
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“The motive of such moves is to disrupt the country’s peaceful environment and hinder the upcoming election. The democratic question of Bangladesh is deeply connected to this,” the BNP leader said.
Salahuddin said people need to remain cautious and extend cooperation in advance to prevent such conspiracies.
He said BNP has always stood beside the Hindu community in celebrating their biggest religious festival, Durga Puja, and will continue to do so this year as well.
“Last year, alongside the government, BNP leaders and activists at all levels across the country guarded Puja mandaps and gave full cooperation. We will do the same this time as well,” Salahuddin said.
He said their party wants to send a clear message to the nation that communal harmony in Bangladesh will remain intact.
The BNP leader vowed that any attempt to disrupt communal harmony would be resisted with a strong hand.
He said the government must take proper steps and play its role in ensuring the smooth celebration of Durga Puja.
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“But as conscious citizens and political workers, we along with all our party members will make the highest efforts so that Durga Puja is held peacefully and communal harmony is maintained,” Salahuddin assured.
Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, will begin on September 28 with Shashthi at temples and makeshift mandaps across Bangladesh with religious fervour and festivity.
The festival will end on October 2 with the immersion of the idols of Goddess Durga.