Govt won't allow any terrorist acts in name of religion: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today vowed to clamp down on militancy and terrorism with an iron fist also in future.

The premier also said that her government won't allow any terrorist acts in the name of religion.

"Our government has always taken stern action against terrorism and militancy and would continue to curb the twin demons with an iron hand ... there would be no place of terrorism and militancy on the soil of Bangladesh," she said.

"Islam is a religion of peace and there is no room for terrorism and militancy in it ... we won't tolerate any terrorist acts in the name of religion," she added.

The prime minister was addressing Hindu devotees while visiting Durga Puja Mandops at Dhakeswari National Temple in Dhaka this afternoon.

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Sayeed Khokan, general secretary of Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad Advocate Taposh Kumar Paul, president of Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee DM Chatterjee and General Secretary Advocate Shyamal Kumar Paul spoke on the occasion.

PM's Political Affairs Advisor HT Imam, local parliament member Haji Mohammad Selim, President of Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad Jayanta Sen Dipu were present on the dais.

"Those who commit such crimes are in fact working against the religion," she said.

The premier said her government wants to create such an atmosphere where the people of all faiths would perform their religious rites freely.

"The religion is an affair of individuals, while festivals are for all ... Sokaler tore sakole amra, amra manober tore (We're for each other, we're for humanity). We always maintain and perform it," she said.

She said her government does not want conflicts, rather it wants peace, prosperity and development.

"We want development in such a way that all people irrespective of caste, creed and religion will get the benefit," she said.

Talking about the essence of all religions, she said that welfare of the human beings is the main theme of all religions. "All will perform their religious activities with honour and everyone will show respect to others," she said.

The Prime Minister urged all to work together for the development of the country and mentioned that Bangladesh believes in peaceful coexistence of all people. "And all religions speak of harmony and tolerance."

During the Liberation War, Sheikh Hasina said, people from all religions had made their supreme sacrifice. "We want people to live in peace, we want the triumph of humanity... that's our desire," she said.

The premier said the people of all faiths fought for the independence of the country under the leadership of Bangabandhu.

"The people irrespective of caste, creed and religions joined the Liberation War by responding to the call of Bangabandhu and they shed their blood to achieve independence," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said Bangabandhu dreamt of establishing a poverty and hunger-free Sonar Bangla. "We are striving to achieve the goal and the country advanced much in this regard," she said.

Later, the prime minister visited Ramkrishna Mission Temple and Math at Ramkrishna Mission Road and exchanged greetings with the devotees there.

The principal of Ramkrishna Math and Mission Swami Dhrubeshananda delivered the welcome address at the function held.

Earlier, leaders of Bangladesh Puja Udjapon Parishad and Mohanagar Sarbojonin Puja Committee greeted the Prime Minister with flower bouquets at Dhakeswari National Temple.