India has acknowledged the "prompt" steps from the government of Bangladesh with additional deployment of security forces following the reports of vandalism in some Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues. "We note that the government of Bangladesh has reacted promptly to ensure the control of the situation, including the deployment of law enforcement machinery," Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday. He said they also understand that the ongoing festive celebrations of Durga Puja continue in Bangladesh with the support of government agencies and of course, a large majority of the public. The Indian High Commission in Dhaka as well as its Missions outside Dhaka are in close contact with the authorities in Dhaka and at local levels over the matter, Bagchi said. Read: Hasina calls for hunting down culprits of Cumilla incident The Spokesperson said they have seen some "disturbing reports of untoward incidents" involving attacks on religious gatherings in Bangladesh. While visiting Puja venue at Karwan Bazar Media Para, both police and members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) were seen while both Muslims and Hindus were seen at the venue together. Earlier, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said anyone involved in the attacks on Hindu temples and Durga Puja venues in Cumilla will not be spared. Also read: Cumilla incident: DIG says offenders to be hunted down "The incidents in Cumilla are being thoroughly investigated. Nobody will be spared. It doesn't matter which religion they belong to. They’ll be hunted down and punished," she said on Thursday.

The government will not allow any evil communal forces to raise their ugly heads and disturb harmony between communities, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Thursday.   Quader, also the ruling Awami League general secretary, issued the warning visiting Ramkrishna Mission puja mandap in the city. Read:Several identified, suspected instigators held over Cumilla incident: Home Minister “Evil groups and extremist communal forces have carried out attacks on Hindu temples in 10 to 12 places and vandalised houses of Hindu people as the election is looming,” he said. Calling upon the people of the country to keep communal unity and harmony, he said “Those who don’t like the country’s development and peaceful celebration of puja, the biggest festival of Hindu community, are trying to push the country backwards by destroying communal harmony in many ways. One of them is to create Hindu-Muslim enmity. ” He also urged the people to remain watchful about malicious efforts to spread rumours about this issue. “Do not pay heed to a section of people spreading rumours on social media to incite communal tensions,” he added. Read:Cumilla incident: DIG says offenders to be hunted down The AL leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed the administration to take measures against the conspiracy of communal forces and asked people to stay calm and safe. Stating that extremist communal groups are trying to destroy the peace of the country, he expressed concern that the fallout of the attacks may linger even after immersion of the deity. The government will be alert to face any unwanted situation.

Police on Saturday arrested a youth from Joypurhat Sadar for his alleged involvement in vandalising two Hindu temples . The arrestee has been identified as Shamsul Alam alias Lalbabu (34). Confirming the news, Joypurhat Sadar upazila told UNB that idols which were being created ahead of the upcoming Durga Puja were vandalised in two temples on Friday night. Read: Body recovered in trunk identified after 6 years, 1 arrested: PBI Birendranath Sikder, filed a case with Joypurhat Sadar Police Station on Saturday over the vandalism naming Shamsul Alam as the main accused. Joypurhat District Superintendent of Police Mashum Ahmed Bhunya said,”Already the main accused in the case has been arrested and others involved will follow him soon. There will be zero tolerance against  anything  which threatens the communal harmony of the nation.”