Peace prevails
The Buddhist community yesterday arranged daylong programmes to observe the sixth anniversary of Ramu tragedy.
The programmes included Sangha and Pindo Daan, collective prayer, cleaning of eight metals and discussion at Maitree Bihar in Sreekul of Ramu upazila headquarters.
Local Buddhists said, once Ramu was known for communal harmony but after the communal attack in the area, it was damaged.
Now peace and harmony has been restored in the area with the sincere efforts of all quarters, they said.
Criminals carried out arson attack on 12 Bouddha Bihars and 30 dwelling houses at Ramu and seven Bouddha Bihars and 12 houses at Ukhia-Teknaf on September 29 and 30 night, accusing a Buddhist youth Uttam Barua of desecrating the holy Quran. Six other Bouddha Bihars and more than 100 dwelling houses were also attacked and looted later.
Leaders of Buddhist community Tarun Barua and Nitish Barua said, immediately after the incident, the government rebuilt the affected Bihars and houses. Six years have passed after the incident. Communal harmony has returned to the area.
Praggyananda Bhikku, president of Cox's Bazar Bouddha Suraksha Parishad, said it will take more time to return to the previous level of communal harmony.
Comments