‘Attacks aimed at fuelling trouble with eye on next general election’

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal today gave an assurance that communal harmony will be protected in the country at any cost.

He claimed that the violence is aimed at fomenting trouble with an eye on the next general election.

Speaking to India's PTI over phone, the minister said that an investigation is underway to nab the culprits involved in "inciting violence".

He also did not rule out "the involvement of BNP-Jamaat elements" behind the attacks, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"We have taken stern actions to tackle the situation. An investigation is underway; none of the culprits would be spared. I want to assure you that the communal harmony of our country will be protected at any cost. Both the minority and majority communities are citizens of this country and would be protected," he said.

The minister asserted that Bangladesh would not let the troublemakers succeed in their mission.

"These incidents are aimed at tarnishing the image of our nation and creating tension with an eye on the general election. But we won't allow these forces to succeed," he said.

Noting that hundreds of people have been arrested, Asaduzzaman Khan further said that four rioters have also been shot dead by the police.

"No peace-loving and pious Hindu or Muslim would ever indulge in violence. We are not ruling out the involvement of BNP-Jamaat or any third forces. They could be behind those attacks to halt the progress of our country. This could also be aimed at disturbing peace before the next elections," he maintained.

Voicing optimism over the ongoing probe, the home minister further said, "We had asked the puja committees in Cumilla to keep CCTV cameras installed at the pandal and deploy volunteers to keep vigil. But that was not done..."

Dispelling India's concerns over protection of minorities in Bangladesh, the minister said the government is tackling the situation effectively and progress in investigation is expected soon.

"We think there is no need to be concerned about the minorities here as we are tackling the situation effectively and doing everything possible to protect them. Such attacks on minorities are taking place in other countries too," he underlined.

Asked if the attacks are related to the renewed rise of fundamentalist forces, encouraged by the establishment of Taliban rule in Afghanistan, the minister replied in negative.

"This has nothing to do with Taliban's rise. Afghanistan is over a thousand miles away from Bangladesh, and the people of our country are not bothered about it," he said.