Ensure safety of minorities during polls

The government should take adequate security measures during the upcoming parliamentary elections so that people of the minority community feel safe to cast their votes, said speakers at a discussion yesterday.

Violent and criminal activities were committed centring national elections in the past. When polls day approach, minorities feel insecure and live in panic because of their past experience, they added.

Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee organised the discussion on “Ekadosh Jatiya Sangsad Nirbachon: Jatiya O Ancholik Nirapotta” at Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in Dhaka.

Shangeetanandaji Maharaj, principal of Pranab Moth in Dhaka, said Hindus are still being evicted from the country.

The civil society should play an effective role in this regard, he said.

Father Tapan D Rosario, chairman of department of World Religion and Culture at Dhaka University, said the government should remain vigilant to stop polls time violence.

Maj Gen (Retd) Mohammad Abdur Rashid said the recently held Gazipur and Khulna polls were violence-free.

Nirmul Committee President Shahriar Kabir said many minorities, forced to leave the country in the past, came back in recent years due to a peaceful environment.

Speaking as the chief guest, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said the Awami League government helped arrange over 6,000 elections without any violence and killing.