Lagatar24 Desk
Dhaka, Oct.19: Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, on Tuesday directed her Home Minister to take swift action against individuals who use religion to instigate violence, and she warned the public not to trust anything they read on social media without confirming the facts.
Since last Wednesday, when an alleged blasphemous tweet leaked on social media during the Durga Puja celebrations, attacks on Hindu temples have increased in Bangladesh. A mob in Bangladesh vandalised 66 Hindu homes and set fire to at least 20 others late Sunday night.
The Dhaka Tribune newspaper quoted Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam as saying that Prime Minister Hasina directed Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take quick action against people who promote violence using religion during the weekly Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Hasina, who joined the conference through video conferencing from her official residence, also cautioned Bangladeshis not to trust whatever they read on social media without double-checking the facts, he added.
According to Khandker Anwarul Islam, she has asked the home ministry to remain attentive and take efforts to prevent similar events in the future.
Six Hindus were slain in separate incidents, according to local media, although the figures could not be independently verified.
“The event in Comilla is being investigated. What truly happened would be revealed soon”. He went on to say that the home ministry is attempting to apprehend the criminals.
Sheikh Hasina has promised to help the affected families in whatever way she can.
Meanwhile, in response to recent communal violence, the ruling Awami League party is staging “harmony rallies” and peace processions around the country on Tuesday.
“Hindu brothers and sisters, have no fear. You have the support of Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League. Sheikh Hasina’s government is one that is tolerant of minorities “At a demonstration in front of the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue here, General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated.
According to The Daily Star newspaper, he ordered his party members to mobilise resistance against community forces.
He claimed that the ruling party would stay on the streets until the communal forces were dealt with.
The article quoted him as adding that the party’s leaders and workers around the country are prepared to respond appropriately to these forces.
