Attack on Buddhists
Condemnation continues
Different socio-political and cultural organisations yesterday continued condemning the torching and vandalism of 12 Buddhist temples and monasteries and over 50 houses in Cox's Bazar and Chittagong early Sunday by a mob.
They reiterated their demand for the arrest of and exemplary punishment to the “identified communal forces” which carried out the attacks and urged people to remain alert and united to ward off such communal violence.
In a statement, Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus said the incident will be recognised as a black incident in Bangladesh's history of communal harmony.
Expressing belief that the accused would be tried after a proper investigation, he called upon all to uphold Bangladesh's communal harmony and stand against communal evil forces.
Addressing Bangladesh Peace Council's human chain before the capital's Jatiya Press Club, Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu said the attack was a well-planned conspiracy to disrupt the country's peace and stability.
Communist Party of Bangladesh and Bangladesher Samajtantrik Dal leaders, at their protest rally near Jatiya Press Club, said the ruling and opposition parties continued the “blame game” culture, helping the real perpetrators escape.
“Extreme fanatics are behind the attacks,” said Prof Mesbah Kamal of Dhaka University at a human chain seven political parties and several social organisations organised before Jatiya Press Club.
Workers' Party of Bangladesh President Rashed Khan Menon urged the government to remain alert for the peaceful observance of upcoming Durga Puja.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Bangladesh leaders said such acts by criminals and religious fanatics, claiming to be followers of Islam, go against lessons of Islam and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Nine other organisations held programmes protesting the violence.
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