Bangladesh
Fundamentalism Bangladesh is determined to eradicate fundamentalism: Dr Hasan Mahmud
Dhaka, October 29: Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said the present government of Bangladesh is committed to eradicating radical evil in the greater national interest.
"Bangladesh Awami League as a party believes in non-communal politics. Our goal is to eradicate the fundamentalists in Bangladesh," he said while responding to a question from reporters after inaugurating the Bangabandhu Sangbad Kendra (Bangabandhu Media Center) at the Calcutta Press Club on Thursday evening.
The Minister said, "No one is a minority in Bangladesh ... We do not believe in such thinking ... We are all Bengalis and Bangladeshis ... Our interests are the same."
Asked about the recent attacks on various Hindu shrines and marquees in Bangladesh, he said, "It is just a conspiracy of a few rival political parties to destabilize the country. The evil forces wanted to hunt two birds with one bullet for political gain."
The minister said radical groups had conspired to create anarchy in Bangladesh. But their plot did not succeed due to the strict vigilance of law enforcement agencies across the country during the puja festival.
"By guarding the marquees, we have been able to thwart their plots," he said.
Out of 32,000 puja mandapas across the country, isolated incidents have taken place in only 5 to 6 marquees. In this context, he said, fundamentalist evil is harmful to any country.
Responding to a question about the government's move to stop the violence, the ruling party's joint general secretary said the government had taken strict action against the conspirators.
He told the Indian media that 129 cases had been filed and 1,200 people had been arrested in connection with the attack. The government has also taken steps to repair temples, shrines and houses damaged by the attack and has also provided financial assistance to the affected families.
