A foreign ministry spokesperson said the Durga Puja celebrations have received security from Dhaka’s law enforcement agencies.
Bangladesh government dealt with “immediately” Miscreants trying to disturb Durga Puja celebrations in Comilla districtsaid an official here on Thursday. Foreign Ministry official spokesman Arindam Bagchi said the festival has received protection from Dhaka’s law and order enforcement agencies.
“We have seen some disturbing reports of untoward incidents related to attacks on religious congregations in Bangladesh. We see that the Government of Bangladesh has responded quickly to ensure control of the situation including the deployment of law enforcement agencies. We celebrate Durga Puja. The ongoing celebrations also understand the celebration. Bangladesh is continuing with the support of Bangladeshi agencies and of course the majority of the public,” Mr. Bagchi said, adding that the Indian High Commission in Dhaka is in touch with Bangladesh authorities.
The Indian official’s reaction comes a day after communal incidents were reported from Comilla, involving Durga Puja pandals that were targeted by some local miscreants who tried to create communal tension. The events were triggered by rumors of desecration of a holy book of Islam. The Bangladesh government registered four police cases following the unrest and assured that appropriate action would be taken.
Interior Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said Dhaka would “hunt down” those behind the incidents in Comilla. “We are on the lookout for those involved in the incident. We have identified some of them and they will be apprehended without delay,” state news agency UNB reported.
As a precaution, Dhaka has strengthened police presence in several districts such as Chittagong, Narsingdi, Comilla and Munshiganj which are known for historic Durga Puja celebrations.
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