Dhaka, Sep 30 (V7N)- The country’s law and order situation remains under the government’s control, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said.
He made the remarks after a meeting on security arrangements for Durga Puja at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.
Salahuddin said the government takes concerns raised by citizens about law and order seriously. However, he said it would not be accurate to conclude that the overall situation has deteriorated because of two or three isolated incidents.
Responding to questions, the home minister said investigations are underway into attacks on studios in Radda and Manikdi in the capital. He said legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
Regarding the clash between hawkers and city corporation officials during an eviction drive in Mirpur-10, Salahuddin said he believed there had been a lack of coordination between the parties involved.
The minister said religious harmony in Bangladesh is better than at any previous time and that devotees of different faiths are expected to celebrate Durga Puja in a festive atmosphere.
More than 33,800 puja mandaps across the country are expected to host celebrations this year, he said.
Salahuddin said the government has increased the financial allocation for Durga Puja from Tk 4 crore to Tk 5 crore. The number of puja mandaps has also increased by around 1,500 compared with last year, he added.
Santosh Sharma, general secretary of the Puja Udjapan Parishad, welcomed the increase in holidays and financial assistance. He also urged the home minister not to arrest members of the Hindu community who are not involved in any wrongdoing before the Puja.
END/SMA/AJ
