DHAKA Amid a number of incidents of attacks, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has said there is growing concern and anxiety among devotees regarding the Sharidya Durga Puja celebrations that begin on Sunday. The organisation said that though devotees are being assured by the highest levels of the govt, including the chief adviser, army chief and home affairs adviser, about the smooth conduct of the Sharidya Durga Puja festivities, the overall situation on the eve of the festival has only fed their apprehensions and anxiety. A statement of the central committee, signed by Manindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, on Friday highlighted attacks on at least nine puja mandap and temples and vandalism of idols from Sept 2 to Sept 23. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is now in New York, on Saturday conveyed his greetings to the Hindu community of Bangladesh. Emphasising Bangladesh’s tradition of communal harmony, he said, “This country belongs to all of us. It is a safe abode for all people.” He noted that the destruction of evil forces and the triumph of truth and beauty is the spiritual essence of the festival.
