Photo : Collected
Expressing concerns over vandalism of idols and security of Hindu community in Bangladesh, India has said the incidents of this kind "are not right and they are not good."
"The message of Durga Puja is one of happiness and on such occasion, we would like to extend our best wishes to all those celebrating Durga Puja, not only here but in other countries, in every corner of the world," said Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal.
Responding to a question at a weekly briefing on Friday evening, he said they hope this festival brings prosperity and happiness in everyone's life.
"That is our wish, and we wish this for all. I would also like to say that when we talk about ensuring the security of minorities, it inherently includes our concerns regarding Durga Puja and Dussehra as well," Jaiswal said.
When it comes to minorities, he said, they have said multiple times, even at high levels from their side that the minorities in Bangladesh should be protected.
"And we expect that the government there (in Bangladesh) will provide security to the people of the minority community and fulfill their needs," said the Spokesperson.
The interim government has issued a set of instructions for the local administration and law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order situation during the Durga Puja celebrations across the country.
The Home Ministry on Wednesday said advance preparations should be made to prevent any untoward incident.
A monitoring committee will be formed, including the dignitaries and students from different levels of the society, to ensure the security of the puja mandap along with the Hindus.
District administrators at the district level and upazila officers at the upazila level will form such committees.
Police, RAB and Ansar, and VDP will be deployed with increased vigilance to control the law and order situation during the celebrations.
Members of the armed forces deployed in the field to maintain law and order will also provide necessary assistance.
Messenger/UNB/Disha
