Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed yesterday (19 October)warned against attempts to undermine religious harmony by spreading rumours and misinformation on social media, saying such attempts will be firmly resisted ahead of the upcoming Buddhist festivals of Prabarana Purnima and Kathin Chibar Dan.
"Some people attempt to portray personal disputes, land-related conflicts or disagreements within management committees as religious attacks to spread propaganda. Such attempts will be firmly resisted," he said while speaking at a view-exchange meeting with Buddhist religious leaders at the Secretariat.
The minister also urged people not to pay heed to unverified information.
The government will ensure maximum security and all-out cooperation for the two Buddhist festivals, reaffirming its commitment to religious harmony and the constitutional rights of people of all faiths.
Prabarana Purnima, one of the major religious festivals of the Buddhist community, will be celebrated on 25 October, followed by the month-long Kathin Chibar Dan festival.
Referring to Article 28 of the Constitution, Salahuddin said discrimination on religious grounds is not permitted in Bangladesh, and every citizen has the constitutional right to observe religious ceremonies and worship freely and safely.
The government remains committed to maintaining peace and law and order while respecting constitutional obligations and citizens' rights, he said.
Besides, strict monitoring has been ordered to prevent any untoward incidents or deterioration of law and order during Prabarana Purnima, particularly the traditional evening lantern-flying celebrations, the minister added.
Special attention will be given to Chattogram, Cox's Bazar, the three hill districts of Khagrachhari, Rangamati and Bandarban, as well as Patuakhali, Cumilla, Noakhali and Rangpur, he added.
Speaking about security arrangements for the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations, Salahuddin said surveillance was strengthened at puja mandaps through body-worn cameras, CCTV cameras and app-based monitoring.
"No one will be spared if anyone attempts to create disorder, and nobody involved in any wrongdoing will be allowed to escape punishment," he said.
The minister said a police monitoring cell is keeping the situation under round-the-clock observation.
Expressing optimism that the upcoming Buddhist festivals will be celebrated peacefully amid festivity, he said the government wants to ensure an environment similar to that prevailing during the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations.
During the meeting, Buddhist religious leaders highlighted the significance of Prabarana Purnima, emphasising self-restraint, purification of the mind and consciousness, and the religious importance of traditional lantern-flying ceremonies and Kathin Chibar Dan.
They informed the minister that a list of Buddhist monasteries across the country will be provided to the ministry.
Salahuddin said the list will be forwarded to the relevant law enforcement agencies and local administration for necessary security measures.